The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area II Command, Onne, Rivers State, has intercepted 20 containers of illicit drugs valued at N13.5 billion in a major clampdown on illegal pharmaceutical imports.
Outgoing Controller of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, disclosed this on Wednesday while parading the seized items before journalists. He later handed over leadership of the Command to his successor, Comptroller Aliyu Alkali.
Details of the Seizure
Babandede explained that the intercepted containers included:
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1,195,400 bottles of codeine syrup
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3,200,000 tablets of extra Diclofenac
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3,500,000 tablets of benzhexol
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1,633 cartons of laboratory equipment
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2,612,400 packages of analgin injection
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239,400 packages of diluent ampoules of artesunate injection
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399,700 packages of diluent ampoules of expired artemac injection
He said the consignments were imported from India and concealed under regular imports such as chilly cutters, bench vices, ceiling fans, plumbing materials, blades, hoes, wall lights, used clothes, and vegetable oil.
Public Health Risks
The outgoing Controller warned that the proliferation of fake and substandard medicines posed grave risks to public health.
“Some people take illicit medicine for different reasons without professional prescriptions. For example, codeine syrup and tramadol are often misused for their euphoric effects, leading to addiction, dependence, and even crime,” he said.
He recalled that just six weeks ago, the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Director-General of NAFDAC jointly visited Onne after a similar seizure, underscoring the agencies’ collaboration in tackling counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
Revenue and Other Seizures
Babandede praised the dedication of his officers, noting that their vigilance was key to the successful interdiction.
The announcement came barely a day after the Command revealed it had generated N859 billion in revenue between May 2024 and July 2025, in addition to seizing other contraband goods valued at N200 billion during the same period.
ADEOLA KUNLE
