The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted N1.8 billion worth of expired and controlled pharmaceutical products, alongside a substantial cache of weapons, at the Apapa Port Command in Lagos. This latest crackdown underscores the NCS’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and security of Nigerians.
The Comptroller-General of the NCS , Bashir Adewale Adeniyi disclosed this today during a press briefing at apapa,Lagos.
CGC highlighted the success of the operation,stating that the seizures demonstrate the agency’s resolve to prevent the importation of harmful goods into the country.
He emphasized that the NCS would never compromise the health and safety of Nigerians for the sake of trade facilitation.
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The intercepted goods include, 12 containers filled with expired drugs and undeclared pharmaceutical products, many of which were imported without the necessary regulatory approvals, such as the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) number.
The Customs boss revealed that some of these containers were falsely declared to evade duty payments, constituting an act of smuggling in violation of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.
Among the seized items was a 40ft container containing expired health supplements, various expired pharmaceutical products, and controlled drugs like tramadol and codeine, all concealed with other expired goods.
Another container held over 27,000 pieces of cutlasses and machetes, further raising concerns about the potential threat to national security.
The Comptroller-General praised the efforts of Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller for Apapa Command, and his team for their vigilance and dedication to duty.
The Comptroller-General praised the diligence of the officers involved, particularly Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, who leads the Apapa Command, for their exceptional efforts in preventing these dangerous goods from entering the Nigerian market.
“The health and security of Nigerians cannot be compromised for the sake of trade,” the Comptroller-General emphasized. He urged port users to engage only in legitimate trade practices, warning that the NCS remains resolute in its efforts to detect and prevent all forms of smuggling.
He called on all port users to engage in legitimate trade and reiterated the NCS’s commitment to detecting and preventing all forms of smuggling.
As the Apapa Command remains the busiest port in Nigeria, responsible for the highest volume of trade and revenue collection, the NCS leadership urged continued vigilance and adherence to regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of the nation.
