Tin Can Customs Hands Over Three Containers of Expired Tramadol, Diclofenac to NAFDAC, Vows Tougher Crackdown on Illicit Drugs
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has intensified its war against illicit and dangerous pharmaceuticals with the handover of three containers of expired drugs to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), reaffirming its commitment to protecting public health and national security.
The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed this on Friday, 6 February, during the formal handover ceremony held at the Command.
Addressing stakeholders, Comptroller Onyeka said the seizure was part of the Command’s sustained anti-smuggling drive, describing it as a collective responsibility to safeguard Nigerians from harmful products.
“I warmly welcome you all to Tincan Island Port Command to inform you on another achievement that we have recorded in our anti-smuggling drive, which underpins our collective responsibility to protect public health and national security,” he said. “Today’s event is the formal handing over of three units of 20ft containers containing expired pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC for appropriate regulatory action.”
According to him, two of the containers, with numbers PONU031958/6 and MSKU711656/0, were found to contain expired Tramadol tablets. He explained that a detailed examination revealed that one container held 86 cartons of Vingil Tramadol BP 50mg, while the second contained 250 cartons of the same expired Tramadol product.
The third container, MSKU413519/1, was discovered to contain 370 cartons of expired Diclofenac Sodium BP 50mg tablets, without a valid NAFDAC registration number.
“This makes the consignment illegal and dangerous for public use,” the Comptroller stated.
Beyond the seizures, Comptroller Onyeka noted that the Tin Can Island Port Command has continued to record notable achievements through intensified cargo examination, improved intelligence gathering and sustained enforcement operations.
He said, “The Command has remained proactive in intercepting prohibited and falsely declared goods, including controlled pharmaceuticals, arms and ammunition, narcotics, and other items capable of undermining public safety and economic stability.”
He added that while enforcement has been strengthened, the Command has continued to facilitate legitimate trade and contribute significantly to revenue generation, in line with the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
“These achievements are the result of deliberate strategies anchored on discipline, integrity, and strong inter-agency collaboration,” he said.
The Area Controller also commended NAFDAC for its cooperation, noting that the synergy between both agencies has helped to prevent fake, substandard and expired drugs from reaching the public.
“Our synergy has continued to yield positive results, particularly in ensuring that fake, substandard, and expired drugs are intercepted before reaching the Nigerian populace,” he said.
He further praised officers and men of the Command for their dedication, describing their efforts as key to strengthening the credibility and operational effectiveness of Tin Can Island Port Command.
Comptroller Onyeka also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for what he described as “purposeful leadership and strategic reforms” that have empowered Customs operations nationwide.
Reassuring the public, he said the Command would not relent in its resolve to combat illicit trade and enforce compliance with extant laws.
“Our Command will continue to work closely with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property,” he assured.
Receiving the seized pharmaceuticals on behalf of NAFDAC, the Chief Regulatory Officer, Investigation and Inspection Directorate, NAFDAC Apapa, Kareem Adekunle, said the expired drugs would be destroyed.
He disclosed that the products would be burnt and reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other sister agencies in safeguarding the health of the nation.
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