July 2 (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has uncovered an attempt to smuggle unregistered pharmaceutical products into the country using a fake National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number during a major enforcement operation at Apapa Port.
Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi disclosed this while handing over narcotics and expired pharmaceutical products valued at N53.4 billion to NAFDAC and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to Adeniyi, one of the intercepted consignments contained 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules bearing a fake NAFDAC registration number and forged documentation intended to portray the products as legitimately approved.
He explained that although the shipment initially appeared authentic, subsequent verification confirmed that the medicines were not registered with the regulatory agency.
“The use of a fake registration number and supporting documentation clearly indicates a deliberate attempt to smuggle unregistered pharmaceutical products into the Nigerian market, thereby posing a serious risk to public health”, he said.
The discovery formed part of nine major seizures made by the Apapa Area Command through intelligence gathering, cargo scanning, physical inspections, and collaboration with the NDLEA.
Among the seizures were two 40-foot containers concealing cannabis inside imported vehicles, spare parts, and household goods. One container held 3,639 parcels of cannabis weighing 1,819.5 kilograms, while another contained 9,918 sachets weighing about 4.95 metric tonnes.
Customs officers also intercepted two containers carrying 339,800 bottles of codeine syrup hidden inside consignments of insulated casserole dishes and other household items.
In addition, three containers loaded with expired pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol, Oxytocin injections, Carbamazepine tablets, Cloxicillin capsules, Vitamin B12 injections, and B-Complex injections, were seized alongside another container carrying Piccan Teething Powder.
Adeniyi said the seizures underscore Customs’ commitment to protecting public health and securing Nigeria’s borders through intelligence-led enforcement.
He added that all narcotics have been transferred to the NDLEA for investigation and prosecution, while expired medicines will be handed to NAFDAC for regulatory action and safe disposal. Vehicles and other items used to conceal the prohibited goods will remain in Customs’ custody pending forfeiture and other enforcement procedures under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
