NAFDAC Analyses N1.7bn Fake Drugs Seized By Customs

By Gabriel Oshokha

THE Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over seized fake drugs worth N1.7bn to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

The pharmaceuticals, comprising Augmentin tablets, Ampiclox, and Amoxycillin capsules, were concealed in 53 sacks.

The PUNCH reported on March 1, 2024, that the command, at a press conference, announced the seizure of the fake drugs, with a promise to hand it over to NAFDAC.

The Area Controller, Dr Ben Oramalugo, speaking during the handover at the 2024 third press conference of the command, also announced that the command generated and remitted the sum of N5,673,615,718.56 in March into the coffers of the Federal Government.

Present at the briefing were the South-West Director of NAFDAC and the Coordinating Director, All Zones of Nigeria, Mrs Roseline Ajayi; the Assistant Director and Head, Laision Office of the Director, Mr Akinwale Fagoroyo, among other NAFDAC’s team.

Speaking with newsmen after the handover of the fake drugs, Ajayi said: “I am going to hand this over to the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate. We would take a sample to the laboratory to be sure of what the content is, because, from the packaging and the labels, we can see that they are fake.

“But we will take a step ahead; we don’t destroy any regulated product without analysis, so it will still be subjected to laboratory analysis to determine what they have concocted together and called the different names of drugs packed here. And if the outcome of the laboratory, which I am like 80 per cent sure will fail, then it will go for destruction.

“And we have dedicated destruction sites where we can conduct destruction exercises so that it does not go back to the public and into circulation. We have to monitor the destruction because we can’t just destroy like a refuse. We must monitor it and that’s going to be done by the Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement.”

Speaking earlier, Oramalugo said the command generated a cumulative sum of N18,169,659,402.67 for the first quarter of 2024.

According to him, the cumulative sum for the first quarter comprised N5,673,615,718.56 in March and N12,496,043,684 for January and February.

Oramalugo said that the command, from March 1 to April 16, 2024, intercepted 982 (50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice with duty paid value of N86,416,000; Cannabis Sativa (12 sacks and 40 wraps weighing 80.2 kg) with DPV of N5,495,000 and Tramadol (20 packs) with DPV of N1,000,000.

Other seizures made by the command were 254 pieces of used tyres with a DPV of N24,384,000; six sacks of secondhand clothing with a DPV of N2,557,440; 25 bales of secondhand clothing with a DPV of N8,880,000; 27 bales of African original textile material with a DPV of N12,757,500; 494 (25 litres) kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with a DPV of N8,151,000 and one pack of Diazepam tablet with DPV of N20,000.

Oramalugo said: “In tandem with our revenue collection efforts, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has intensified its anti-smuggling activities to safeguard our borders and protect our economy from illicit trade practices.

“The act of snuggling poses a grave threat to our national security and economic stability, and we are committed to combating this menace with unwavering resolve.

“Through targeted intelligence-led operations, collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, enhanced border surveillance and the utilisation of advanced technology, we have seized various contraband items, including narcotics (Cannabis Sativa, Tramadol tablets), foreign parboiled rice, Petrol Motor Spirit (PMS), secondhand clothing and used tyres.

“These interceptions underscore our commitment to thwarting attempts to smuggle prohibited items into our communities, thereby upholding the integrity of our borders, safeguarding public health and safeguarding the interests of our nation.”

He appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for supporting the command in achieving its core mandate within Oyo and Osun states.

Oramalugo thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for his support and expressed his appreciation to the officers and men of the command for their dedication and professionalism and the collaborative efforts of other sister security agencies.

Source: The Punch