Customs seizes, destroys 88 containers of expired pharmaceuticals
The Nigeria Customs Service, in partnership with other regulatory agencies, has launched a nationwide operation to destroy expired and counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
This effort aims to curb the spread of unauthorized and hazardous substances that pose a significant threat to public health.
Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, (ACG) Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, Timi Bomodi led the initial phase of the operation in Lagos on Thursday, with the destruction of 88 containers loaded with fake pharmaceutical at the Alaro Dump site in Epe, Lagos.
Bomodi, who also chairs a committee on identifying, isolating, evacuating and destroying illegal imports, established by the National Security Adviser (NSA), emphasised the significance of the nationwide exercise.
“We’re starting here in Lagos, specifically with about 88 containers. We’ll also be going to Port Harcourt, where we have over 20 containers. Then we’ll go to Calabar, Kano, and other locations”. Bomodi disclosed. He highlighted the operation’s impact, noting that the exercise is integral to safeguarding public health and security.
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“These products are offensive, fake, unregistered, and pose a serious threat to the well-being of Nigerians. Some are linked to criminal activities, including kidnapping and other crimes,” he said.
The ACG noted that the multi-agency approach spearheaded by the NSA involves the NCS, NAFDAC, NDLEA, and other bodies working together to curb the menace.
He pointed out that while the destruction is critical, efforts to prosecute offenders are underway, with several cases already in court. During the initial operation in Lagos, five containers of illicit pharmaceuticals were destroyed.
ACG Bomodi stated that this is the first phase of a continuous exercise until all intercepted containers are eliminated. Beyond the destruction of the seized goods, Bomodi disclosed that authorities are also investigating illicit products’ origins and importation methods.
“We are looking at the items and examining their countries of origin, importers’ histories, and the agencies they use. This enables us to build a robust risk management system to tackle this menace effectively.”
He also called on the public to collaborate with authorities, emphasising that tackling this issue requires a collective responsibility. Speaking on behalf of the NSA, Commodore Kelechi Ogbonna reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating the menace.
“The NSA is concerned about ensuring these substandard and contraband pharmaceuticals are destroyed and kept out of the system due to their harmful nature.”
He further emphasised the NSA’s firm stance on this issue, stating his passion not to allow such items to find their way into society, ” he said
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