Federal government Joint committee on the destruction of fake, illicit and expired Pharmaceuticals have destroyed another 200 containers of substandard drugs worth billions of Naira imported into the country through the Apapa and Tin-Can Island seaports.
This is coming after the committee initially destroyed 250 containers of the same expired pharmaceutical products in January, 2025.
To this end, the committee comprising of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), National Security Adviser (NSA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Nigerian Army have destroyed a total of 450 containers of expired drugs in the first quarter of 2025.
The destruction exercise, which took place in Epe, Lagos State, was part of a broader initiative of the federal government to curb Importation of illicit and controlled drugs in order to safeguard public health and curb drug-related crimes in the country.
It could be recalled that the pharmaceuticals being destroyed are Tramadol, codeine, Apetamine, Analgin injection amongst others.
However, speaking to newsmen, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, said the initiative is crucial to preventing the circulation of dangerous substances such as Tramadol and Codeine, which are often abused and contributed to criminal activities in the country.
Ribadu, who was represented by Ibrahim Sulaiman, said the destroyed drugs were seized from Apapa, Tin Can, and Lekki seaports.
He, however, disclosed that similar destruction was conducted in Port Harcourt as part of the first phase.
“The National Security Adviser is very passionate about ensuring that these illicit drugs do not remain in circulation. The government will not allow perpetrators to act with impunity; they will be arrested and prosecuted,” he stated.
The intercepted drugs were either expired or classified as controlled substances that should only be used under strict medical supervision.
Also, the Assistant Customs Controller, A.O Oguntuase from FOU Zone A emphasized the enforcement efforts of security agencies in tracking and intercepting these illegal imports.
“Through intelligence gathering and swift action, we have been able to prevent the distribution of these drugs.
The value of the destroyed substances is enormous, with each container estimated to be worth close to a billion naira,” he said.
The authorities reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on drug smugglers and ensuring the safety of Nigerians.
They warned that any individuals or groups involved in the illegal importation of these substances would face legal consequences.
This large-scale destruction exercise marks a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against illicit drug trafficking and underscores the government’s determination to maintain public health and security.
On his part, representative of the NDLEA, DC Omotosho Solomon, stated that suspects arrested in connection with the goods are being tried in court following court order on their destruction.
Solomon warned importers engaged in the trafficking of illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals to desist from such acts or face the full process of law on illegal importation.
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