Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Area II Command in Onne, Rivers State, have intercepted a shipment of illicit drugs valued at N13.5 billion in duty‑paid terms. The seizure, announced by the outgoing Controller of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, involved 20 containers filled with various pharmaceutical products.
According to Comptroller Babandede, the containers held large quantities of codeine syrup, extra‑strength diclofenac tablets, benzhexol tablets, Analgin injections, and laboratory equipment, among other items. The products, imported from India, were disguised as ordinary imports such as food items, household goods, and used clothing. This deception posed a serious threat to public health, as counterfeit and substandard medicines can have devastating consequences.
The interception is a notable achievement in the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing campaign against the trade of counterfeit and substandard pharmaceuticals. Earlier, the Comptroller‑General of Customs and the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) visited the Onne Command, where they seized and handed over containers of illicit medicine to NAFDAC. This recent seizure reinforces the Service’s commitment to protecting public health and safety.
The Onne Command’s dedication to combating illicit trade has yielded significant results, generating N859 billion in revenue between May 2024 and July 2025. Its vigilance in intercepting illegal shipments has contributed substantially to the country’s revenue and public‑health initiatives. The episode underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between law‑enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies in the fight against counterfeit and substandard pharmaceuticals, and highlights the Nigeria Customs Service’s steadfast commitment to this critical mission.
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