Imported Death: Customs Hands Over Nine Containers of Expired Drugs to NAFDAC

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, has seized nine containers laden with expired pharmaceuticals. The illicit shipment was promptly handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and destruction.

Customs Area Controller Joy Edelduok disclosed the operation during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Lagos on Tuesday. She emphasized that the intercepted drugs posed a significant public health risk and were illegally imported into the country.

Edelduok stated that the importation violated Section 46 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023), which prohibits the trafficking of expired or prohibited goods. She warned that the service would intensify its crackdown on such dangerous shipments to protect consumers.

NAFDAC officials commended the collaboration with Customs and reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the nation’s health. The agency urged the public to report suspicious drug imports, stressing that expired medications can have life-threatening consequences.

“The command seized nine 40-foot containers of expired drugs, which contravene the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. These seized items would be handed over to NAFDAC for further actions,” Edelduok said.

Edelduok added that the command collected a total of N38bn as revenue between January and March 2025.

She said that the figure showed a progressive difference of N14.4bn, representing a 61 per cent increase from what was collected by the command during the same period in 2024.

“When compared with N23.7bn collected in the same period in 2024, it clearly showed a progressive difference of N14.4bn, representing a 61 per cent increase,” she said.

The CAC attributed the growth to the effective revenue collection strategies and the efforts of the officers and men of the command in combating smuggling and illicit trade.

She also mentioned the Command’s commitment to stakeholder engagement through an open-door policy, fostering positive relationships and promoting compliance.

Edelduok thanked the stakeholders and partner agencies for their collaboration even as she implored them to work together for the good of the country.

“I appreciate the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their support, motivation, and the platform to excel. The command is dedicated to transparency, efficiency, and national security in all operations,” she concluded.