In what may be considered a bold crackdown on the illegal importation of pharmaceutical products, the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recently intercepted six containers laden with unregistered and falsely declared drugs, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over ₦3.2 billion.
According to the Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port, Comptroller B.O. Olomu, the seizures were the result of meticulous intelligence work, international collaboration, and active partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The intercepted containers were presented on 22 May at the customs command in Apapa, Lagos State.
The first discovery involved two 40-foot containers, with identification numbers SUDU 8685733 and MRSU 4846204, which contained a total of 3,388 cartons of RTPL CSC cough syrup with codeine. Olomu disclosed that the contraband was cleverly concealed within packages labelled as water closets and toilet seats.
“These two containers alone have a street value of over ₦2.71 billion,” he said. “Their interception underscores the deadly intent of criminal networks determined to profit at the expense of public health.”
The command also showcased other seized containers packed with falsely declared pharmaceutical products. One such container, with identification number MRSU 3258823, contained unregistered medicines, including Rabeprazole injections, Zahifranil tablets, 1000mg Vancomycin Hydrochloride, and Cyproheptadine with Vitamin B Complex. None of the items bore registration numbers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to Olomu, the consignment was falsely declared as kitchen wares and tables.
Another container, with identification number ONEU 1153150, was found to contain Globatin Anti-Marks Cream and 30g Clobetasol Cream—both misrepresented as truck tyres in the import documentation.
Comptroller Olomu condemned the deceptive conduct of the importers, stating that such practices are contrary to the Customs Act. “These deceptive practices are clear violations not just of Nigerian law, but also of global conventions,” he said. “Specifically, they breach the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the World Customs Organization’s Operation STOP IV, which targets counterfeit and unauthorised medical supplies.”
He explained that the seizures were not only about enforcing trade laws but also about safeguarding Nigerian lives from harmful and unregulated pharmaceuticals. He stressed that the command would not relent in preventing fake and illegal drugs from entering the country.
“As officers stationed at Nigeria’s largest and busiest port, we are resolute in our commitment to prevent the entry of unapproved medical products,” Comptroller Olomu warned. “These substances could have devastating consequences if allowed to circulate within the healthcare system.”
Meanwhile, the Comptroller stated that three suspects connected with the seizures are currently under investigation and will face prosecution. However, he did not disclose their names.
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