The Nigeria Customs Service has revealed that criminals are employing counterfeit NAFDAC registration numbers to import banned pharmaceutical products into the country. Bashir Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, made this announcement while transferring N53.4 billion worth of confiscated narcotics and outdated medicines to the NDLEA and NAFDAC at the Apapa Port.
A notable discovery involved 1,100 packages of CHACOLD capsules that utilized fraudulent documentation to mimic official approval. Despite appearing authentic, thorough checks by officials proved the items were never registered for distribution. Adeniyi emphasized that this deceptive practice threatens public safety and is part of a broader crackdown involving intelligence and advanced scanning techniques.
Total seizures included various prohibited substances such as codeine syrup and massive quantities of Cannabis Sativa, often hidden within shipments of vehicle parts and household goods. Several containers held expired drugs like Tramadol and Oxytocin. While the NDLEA will handle the narcotics for potential prosecution, NAFDAC will oversee the safe destruction of the expired pharmaceutical items. The Customs service maintains that these actions are essential to preventing drug abuse and safeguarding the health of the citizenry.
