Nigeria Customs Uncovers Massive Drug Smuggling Ring Using Fake NAFDAC Registration

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed an elaborate attempt to import unregistered pharmaceutical products into the country by exploiting a counterfeit registration number purportedly issued by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

This disclosure was made by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, during the official handover of confiscated narcotic drugs and expired pharmaceutical items, valued at a staggering N53.39 billion, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and NAFDAC at the Apapa Area Command.

Adeniyi detailed how one of the intercepted consignments contained 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules. These packages bore a fraudulent NAFDAC registration number and accompanying deceptive documentation, crafted to give the false impression of legitimate approval. He clarified that despite the initial appearance of authenticity, a thorough verification process confirmed that these medicines lacked proper NAFDAC registration.

According to the Customs chief, the deployment of a bogus registration number and supporting paperwork unequivocally points to a deliberate effort to introduce unapproved pharmaceutical products into the Nigerian market, thereby constituting a grave danger to public health.

This specific incident involving fake registration was part of nine significant seizures made by the Apapa Area Command. These operations were successful through a combination of intelligence gathering, advanced scanning technology, physical inspections, and strong collaboration with the NDLEA. Adeniyi reported that these seizures, collectively holding a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N53,391,140,029, encompassed cannabis, codeine syrup, expired pharmaceuticals, and various other prohibited goods found within containers arriving at Nigeria's busiest seaport.

Among the seized items were two 40-foot containers. One was found to contain 3,639 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, weighing 1,819.5 kilograms, cleverly hidden alongside imported vehicles, automobile spare parts, and household items. The second container held 9,918 sachets of the same substance, approximating 4.95 metric tonnes.

Customs operatives also intercepted two containers carrying 3,398 cartons, equivalent to 339,800 bottles, of Codeine Syrup. These were concealed within consignments of insulated casserole dishes and other domestic products.

Furthermore, three containers laden with expired pharmaceutical products were impounded. These included Tramadol, Oxytocin injections, Carbamazepine tablets, Cloxicillin capsules, Vitamin B12 injections, and B-Complex injections, all slated for appropriate regulatory action. An additional container carrying Piccan Teething Powder was also intercepted.

Comptroller-General Adeniyi emphasized that these seizures underscore Customs' unwavering dedication to safeguarding public health, national security, and the country's borders through intelligence-led enforcement activities. He acknowledged that criminal elements persistently exploit legitimate trade channels to smuggle illicit drugs and unsafe pharmaceutical products. However, he affirmed that the Nigeria Customs Service has significantly enhanced its intelligence, technological, and operational capacities to detect and dismantle such illicit ventures.

He confirmed that all narcotic drugs seized have been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution, while the expired pharmaceutical products will be transferred to NAFDAC for necessary regulatory action and secure disposal. Adeniyi also stated that assets used to conceal prohibited items, such as vehicles and automobile spare parts, would remain in NCS custody pending forfeiture, condemnation, revenue recovery, and other enforcement procedures as stipulated by the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.