Apapa Customs intercepts 72 containers of fake drugs

Abiola Seun |

The onslaught against importation of fake pharmaceutical products by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is gathering momentum as the Apapa Area Command said it has intercepted 72 containers of fake drugs.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Abba-Kura, disclosed this during interaction with Journalists at the port.

He revealed that the Command, through intelligence report, intercepted 72 containers of pharmaceutical products imported into the country without registration number from NAFDAC.

Unveiling the seized items at Apapa port before journalists, Comptroller Abba-Kura warmed against the health hazards of consuming fake drugs.

He informed that the large quantities of pharmaceutical products were seized by Apapa Customs Command within a short period from July to September, 2020.

Speaking further on the health implications of fake drugs, he pointed out, ‘Last year, we seized a large number of such drugs without NAFDAC registration number. This year, we are seizing these substandard drugs again, as you can see here.

“The reality is that these drugs coming into our country without NAFDAC number are not fit for human consumption.”

“NAFDAC should investigate to know the importers of these substandard drugs and sanction them accordingly”.

The CAC stressed that Apapa Command under his supervision will not hesitate to seize prohibited items smuggled into the country through Apapa port, which is his area of coverage.

He emphasised, “In the area of anti-smuggling, officers and men of Apapa Customs Command are not resting on their oars in enforcing government fiscal policies and other trade guidelines”, he claimed.