The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other regulatory agencies, has intensified efforts to rid the country of harmful pharmaceuticals.
As part of this initiative, a large-scale destruction of seized illicit and expired drugs took place at a dumpsite in Epe, Lagos, on Friday.
A statement released on Sunday via X described the operation as a crucial step in the ongoing fight against the trafficking of dangerous substances, emphasizing the government’s commitment to public health and safety.
Speaking at the event, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, who represented the NCS, highlighted the dangers posed by expired drugs and reaffirmed the agency’s determination to prevent their circulation.
“Many of these drugs are expired, and expired drugs must not be allowed into the country. That is why they were seized,” Oguntuase stated.
He also praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for bolstering enforcement efforts, which have resulted in significant interceptions of contraband.
“We have intercepted over 200 containers, and Customs is at the forefront of these operations. We are now at the stage of destroying the seized items,” he added.
Representing the National Security Adviser, Ibrahim Suleiman explained that the multi-agency effort aims to ensure the safe disposal of illicit drugs before they can re-enter circulation.
“The committee was convened to ensure that illicit drugs are removed from the ports and destroyed because the National Security Adviser is deeply concerned that these drugs—which are a catalyst for many crimes and other social issues—should not remain at the ports or other places where they are seized. They must be destroyed,” Suleiman said.
He further disclosed that the first phase of the exercise targeted seizures from Apapa Port, Tincan Island Port, FOU, and Lekki Port, while a similar operation had previously been conducted in Port Harcourt before the agencies returned to Lagos for the second phase.
Deputy Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Solomon Omotosho, confirmed that some suspects linked to the seized drugs are already facing prosecution. He warned importers of illicit pharmaceuticals to abandon their illegal trade or face the full force of the law.
“Those involved in the illegal importation of these substances should be aware that the law will catch up with them,” Omotosho cautioned.
The agencies assured Nigerians of their unwavering commitment to combating drug smuggling and protecting public health through strict enforcement and continuous operations against illicit substances.
