The Nigeria Customs Service has exposed a smuggling scheme involving the use of counterfeit NAFDAC registration numbers to bypass regulations for imported pharmaceuticals. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, revealed the discovery while transferring N53.39 billion worth of confiscated narcotics and expired medicine to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and NAFDAC at the Apapa Area Command.
Investigations highlighted a specific shipment of 1,100 packages of CHACOLD capsules that utilized fraudulent paperwork to mimic official approval. Despite appearing valid at first glance, thorough checks proved the items were not authorized. Adeniyi emphasized that such deceptive tactics endanger public health by introducing unverified drugs into the supply chain.
These items were among nine significant seizures facilitated by the Apapa command through advanced scanning, intelligence sharing, and physical inspections. The total value of the intercepted goods reached approximately N53.39 billion. Recovered items included thousands of parcels of cannabis, nearly 340,000 bottles of codeine syrup, and various expired pharmaceuticals such as Tramadol and oxytocin injections.
To conceal these prohibited substances, smugglers utilized containers ostensibly filled with vehicles, spare parts, and household items. The Customs leadership reaffirmed its dedication to border security and public wellness, noting that strengthened technological capabilities are effectively disrupting criminal distribution networks. All seized narcotics have been transferred to the NDLEA for legal action, while NAFDAC will oversee the disposal of the expired medical products.
