Customs Hands Over Seized Fake Drugs to NAFDAC in Port Harcourt, Vows Continued Crackdown on Counterfeit Imports

Customs Hands Over Seized Fake Drugs to NAFDAC in Port Harcourt, Vows Continued Crackdown on Counterfeit Imports

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port Harcourt Area 1 Command, has handed over a major seizure of fake pharmaceutical products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), reinforcing the Service’s commitment to public health and safety.

According to a Press Release issued on Wednesday, 30 July 2025, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II, Jane Barilule, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Yola Hashim, described the seizure as a critical victory against those endangering Nigerian lives with fake drugs.

He noted that the interception occurred during a routine inspection of a 1×40-foot container falsely declared to be carrying motorcycle spare parts from China. Upon examination, officers uncovered 2,455 cartons of unregistered pharmaceutical products branded as Gebedol, concealed among 23 cartons of motorcycle spare parts and 12 bags with a duty-paid value of ₦3.29 million.

“Fake drugs kill,” he stated. “They destroy families, weaken our healthcare system, and pose a serious threat to national security. Those involved in such acts are no different from terrorists.”

He praised the officers’ professionalism and noted the crucial role played by intelligence from sister agencies. He also highlighted the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NCS and NAFDAC as an effective framework for combating counterfeit imports.

The Customs Boss called for stronger collaboration among regulatory and security agencies to move from reactive seizures to proactive intelligence-led prevention.

In response, the Deputy Director of NAFDAC, Port Inspection Directorate, Adepoju Raufu, commended Customs for its vigilance and swift response, stressing that the counterfeit products could have inflicted serious harm if allowed into circulation. He assured stakeholders that NAFDAC would commence immediate investigation, oversee the destruction of the consignment, and track the perpetrators behind the importation.

Raufu reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding public health and deepening collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other enforcement bodies.

The event, attended by representatives from NDLEA, DSS, Immigration, Quarantine Service, and freight forwarding associations, concluded with the formal handover of the seized items to NAFDAC.