By correspondent in Lagos.
The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 12 containers filled with Tramadol, expired drugs, and 27,540 pieces of cutlasses and machetes, with a Duty Paid Value of N1.8 billion.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, revealed the seizure during a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday.
He said that the expired pharmaceuticals were imported without meeting regulatory requirements, adding that lacked National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration numbers.
Among the seized containers was a 40ft container, initially declared to contain various medications but found to hold expired health supplements and drugs, including acyclovir capsules and valsartan tablets.
Another 20ft container was discovered to hold Royal Tramadol concealed with expired analgesics and antiseptics, while a different 20ft container contained rolls of Tramadol hidden within expired pharmaceutical packaging. Additional containers were found with codeine concealed among expired medical products, according to him.
The customs boss added that in addition to pharmaceuticals, two 40ft containers were seized with a combined total of 27,540 cutlasses and machetes.
Adeniyi commended the Apapa Customs Area Controller, Babatunde Olomu, and his team for their diligence in combating smuggling and anti-smuggling exploit.
He emphasized the command’s critical role in handling significant trade volumes and urged port users to engage in legitimate trading practices.
The NCS remains committed to rigorous inspection to safeguard public health and security.
According to him, the Apapa Command handled the highest volume of trade for the NCS, collects the highest revenue, and therefore saddled with a higher degree of expectation from the management of the Service and the government.
He urged them to maintain the level of performance as he advised port users to embrace only legitimate trade.
The CGC restated that the NCS, under his leadership, was fully committed to its responsibilities in detecting all forms of concealment.
The customs boss said they were dedicated to ensuring that any import consignment or export cargo transiting through the ports under customs control were thoroughly checked using our non-intrusive (scanning) measures and physical examinations.
Adeniyi reiterated that the service would not sacrifice the health and security of Nigerians and everyone living in the country on the altar of trade facilitation.
He said that customs officers were living up to expectations by executing the mandate given to them to the fullest.
