The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a large consignment of fake, expired, and unregistered pharmaceuticals, along with controlled equipment, including drones and telecommunication devices, valued at ₦921 million.Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), in a press briefing, made this known. He said, “Our seizures today reveal that importers are diversifying their contraband portfolios, combining food items and controlled technology in systematic shipments. Our collective vigilance remains the most effective deterrent against transnational criminal networks seeking to compromise our borders.” “Our seizures today reveal that importers are diversifying their contraband portfolios—combining pharmaceuticals, food items, and controlled technology in systematic shipments. Our collective vigilance remains the most effective deterrent against transnational criminal networks seeking to compromise our borders.” According to the CGC, operations conducted between January and April 2025 led to 11 seizures involving five 40-foot containers, two 20-foot containers, and four additional consignments containing expired margarine, sexual enhancement drugs, 60 units of warrior drones, and 10 professional FM transceiver walkie-talkies—imported without the required end-user certificate. He expressed deep concern over the proliferation of unregistered pharmaceuticals, which significantly threaten public health. He said, “These products lack mandatory NAFDAC registration numbers and certification, making their importation a clear violation of Section 28 of the NAFDAC.” The Customs chief reaffirmed the Service’s unwavering commitment to enforcing import regulations. He said, “We will deploy all available resources to ensure our borders remain secure against the importation of items that threaten national security, economic stability, and public health.” He also commended the Apapa Area Command officers and personnel for their vigilance and professionalism in effecting the interceptions.
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