By Golfa Francis, Yola
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed renewed concern over the escalating threat of expired and counterfeit pharmaceuticals in circulation, following the interception and handover of 91 cartons of expired Tramadol capsules to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Adamawa State.
Valued at over ₦92 million, the consignment was seized during a targeted operation in Mubi Local Government Area, a location increasingly notorious for illicit smuggling activities across Nigeria’s northeastern border.
Speaking during the official handover in Yola on Wednesday, Mr Garba Bashir, Customs Area Controller for the Adamawa/Taraba Command, described the operation as a critical intervention in protecting public health and national security.
“Had these expired Tramadol capsules reached the public, they could have resulted in mass morbidity and mortality. Beyond endangering lives, such substances degrade our human capital, undermine fair market practices, and fuel drug dependency among our youth,” Bashir warned.
He further stressed that pharmaceutical smuggling contributes significantly to organised crime, youth delinquency, aggression, and wider societal instability.
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According to Bashir, the seizure was carried out in line with Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers the Service to confiscate and process counterfeit or hazardous goods.
“This is not just about expired drugs — it’s about dismantling criminal supply chains and preventing the infiltration of harmful substances into our communities,” he added.
Citing World Health Organization (WHO) data, Bashir noted that more than one million deaths occur globally each year due to the consumption of substandard or falsified medical products, with Africa being the hardest hit.
He confirmed that the confiscated drugs, now in NAFDAC’s custody, will be jointly destroyed at a later date, with relevant stakeholders duly notified.
In addition to the expired Tramadol, the Command recorded 29 seizure cases over a six-week period, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦112.59 million.
These include:
- 20,600 litres of petroleum products packed in 824 jerry cans,
- 54 cartons of foreign soap, and
- 64 pieces of complete donkey skin, which are illegal under Nigeria’s wildlife trade laws.
Bashir stated that the seized petroleum products would be auctioned immediately, with proceeds remitted to the Federation Account, in accordance with federal regulations.
In his remarks, Mr Gonzuk Bedima, NAFDAC Coordinator for Adamawa State, commended the Customs Service for its vigilance and assured continued collaboration in curbing the circulation of unregulated substances.
“On behalf of my Director for the Northeast Zone and the Director-General of NAFDAC, we express deep appreciation for this synergy. The protection of public health is a shared responsibility,” Bedima said.
The collaboration between the NCS and NAFDAC represents a significant stride in tightening control over the illicit pharmaceutical trade and reinforces Nigeria’s determination to safeguard its citizens from the dangers of counterfeit and unregulated drugs.