RismadarVoice Reporters
February 7, 2026
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Command, has intensified its clampdown on illicit pharmaceuticals with the handover of three containers of expired drugs to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The formal handover took place on Friday in Lagos, where the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, reaffirmed Customs’ commitment to protecting public health and safeguarding national security.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Onyeka said the seizure was part of the command’s sustained anti-smuggling drive, stressing that combating the circulation of dangerous drugs is a collective responsibility.
“I warmly welcome you to Tincan Island Port Command to highlight our achievement in the anti-smuggling drive, safeguarding public health and national security. Today marks the formal handover of three 20-foot containers of expired pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC for appropriate regulatory action,” he said.
According to Onyeka, two of the containers, with numbers PONU031958/6 and MSKU711656/0, were found to contain expired Tramadol tablets. A detailed examination revealed that one container held 86 cartons of Vingil Tramadol BP 50mg, while the second contained 250 cartons of the same expired product.
He disclosed that the third container, numbered MSKU413519/1, contained 370 cartons of expired Diclofenac Sodium BP 50mg tablets, which also lacked a valid NAFDAC registration number.
“This consignment is illegal and dangerous for public consumption,” Onyeka warned, noting that the circulation of such drugs poses serious risks to public health.
Beyond the latest seizure, the Customs Area Controller said the Tincan Island Command has strengthened cargo examination procedures, intelligence gathering, and enforcement operations to intercept prohibited and falsely declared goods.
“The command proactively intercepts controlled pharmaceuticals, arms, ammunition, narcotics, and other items that threaten public safety and economic stability,” he said.
Onyeka added that while enforcement efforts have been intensified, the command continues to facilitate legitimate trade, contribute significantly to government revenue, in line with the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
“These achievements are the result of discipline, integrity, and strong inter-agency collaboration,” he said, highlighting cooperation with sister agencies as a key factor in the success of the operations.
The seized drugs have been handed over to NAFDAC for further regulatory action and safe disposal.
