Tincan Customs Hands Over Seized Containers of Expired Pharmaceuticals to NAFDAC
Tincan Customs Hands Over Seized Containers of Expired Pharmaceuticals To NAFDAC
By Jerry Aguigbo
The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island command, in a bid to further tighten the grip on its fight against illicit and dangerous pharmaceuticals, confiscated and handed over three containers of expired medications to the National Agency For Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC).
Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller at Tincan Island, who disclosed this Friday, during the formal handover in Lagos;
reiterated the command’s commitment to public health and national security, stating that his Command will go the extra miles to ensure illicit drugs are not brought in through the Tincan Island Port Command.
While addressing stakeholders at the event , the CAC stated that the seizure was part of the command’s sustained anti-smuggling drive, even as he insisted that it was a collective responsibility to protect Nigerians.
He disclosed that the two containers, numbered PONU031958/6 and MSKU711656/0, were found to contain expired Tramadol tablets.
As a proper examination revealed one container contained 86 cartons of Vingil Tramadol BP 50mg, while the second container had 250 cartons of the same product.
The third container, MSKU413519/1, contained 370 cartons of expired Diclofenac Sodium BP 50mg tablets without a valid NAFDAC registration number.
“This consignment is illegal and dangerous for public consumption,” Onyeka warned the public about the health risk and danger these drugs could cause.
“The command proactively intercepts controlled pharmaceuticals, arms, ammunition, narcotics, and items threatening public safety and economic stability,” Controller Onyeka revealed.
Onyeka also explained that there’s been some tremendous improvements in enforcement, which he said has been strengthened while facilitating legitimate trade, contributing significantly to revenue generation, in line with Customs’ core mandate.
“These achievements result from discipline, integrity, and strong inter-agency collaboration,” he added, highlighting the strategies behind successful operations.
Onyeka commended NAFDAC for its cooperation, noting that their synergy helps prevent fake, substandard, and expired drugs from reaching the public.
As he assured that collaboration with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies would continue to intercept dangerous pharmaceuticals and other prohibited items before they make into the Nigerian shores.
Comptroller Onyeka lauded his officers for their dedication and attention to details, as he admitted that the dint of hard work they put in is key to the command’s credibility and operational effectiveness.
While expressing his heartfelt appreciation to the CGC for leadership prowess and direction, even at world stage, he stated,
“we will not relent to combat illicit trade while enforcing compliance with existing extant laws,” he said.
On the existing rapport with other government agencies, the CAC pledged continued collaboration to safeguard lives and property of Nigerians.
Responding, NAFDAC’s Chief Regulatory Officer, Mr Kareem Adekunle, said the expired products would be destroyed by burning.
He commended Customs for their exemplary collaboration and pledged continued partnership to protect Nigerians from the harm inherently caused by expired, fake and unregistered pharmaceuticals.
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