The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday initiated the destruction of fake and expired pharmaceuticals intercepted over the past year. This major operation started with the destruction of 40ft containers at the Alaro dumpsite in Epe, Lagos, targeting contraband worth billions of naira.
According to Timi Bomodi, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, the exercise will take place simultaneously across the country, with the next phases in Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Kano. Bomodi, who is also the Chairman of the committee for the identification, isolation, evacuation, and destruction of illegally imported pharmaceuticals, emphasized that the operation is a multi-agency effort involving the National Security Adviser (NSA), NAFDAC, and NDLEA.
A Nationwide Effort to Combat Fake Drugs
Bomodi revealed that 88 containers filled with expired pharmaceuticals had been identified and were being destroyed in Lagos alone, with over 20 containers in Port Harcourt and more in Calabar and Kano. This nationwide operation aims to tackle the serious health risks posed by counterfeit and expired drugs, which are illegally imported and distributed in Nigeria.
The destruction of these harmful substances is considered a crucial effort in safeguarding public health. These drugs are not only fake and unapproved by designated regulatory bodies, but they also contribute to various security challenges in Nigeria, including crimes related to kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The Scale of the Problem: Billions in Fake Drugs Destroyed
While Bomodi did not provide an exact Duty Paid Value (DPV), he stressed that the scale of the operation is immense, with hundreds of 40-foot containers filled with illicit drugs. The total value is estimated to be in the billions of naira. These fake drugs and expired pharmaceuticals pose severe threats to the health and well-being of Nigerians, especially when they are sold as legitimate medications.
Bomodi highlighted that these illegal drugs, often trafficked by criminal networks, contribute to societal issues like kidnapping and violent crimes, making it an urgent matter for both public health and national security.
Multi-Agency Approach to Tackle Pharmaceutical Contraband
In cooperation with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), NDLEA, and the Office of the NSA, the Nigeria Customs Service is stepping up efforts to prevent the importation and distribution of these dangerous substances. The NSA has been actively involved in this initiative, with Commodore Kingsley Ogbonna, representing the NSA, expressing strong commitment to eradicating these harmful items from the Nigerian system.
“The NSA is very passionate about eliminating illicit, substandard, and contraband pharmaceuticals from the country,” Ogbonna stated, emphasizing that these substances must not return to society due to their dangerous impact.
Prosecution and Legal Action Against Offenders
In addition to the destruction of contraband, NCS and its partners are pursuing legal action against the importers of these fake and expired pharmaceuticals. Several cases are already in court, and prosecutions are underway to ensure that those involved in this illegal trade are held accountable.
This operation highlights the ongoing commitment of the Nigerian government to protect citizens from harmful substances and ensure the integrity of the country’s pharmaceutical market.
