The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has destroyed 64 containers of illicit pharmaceuticals in Rivers State as part of efforts to curb the importation of illegal drugs.
The destruction took place at the RIWAMA dumpsite in Aluu and was overseen by Assistant Comptroller General of Customs for Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, Timi Bomodi.
Bomodi stated that the seized 40-foot containers, valued at billions of Naira, were imported from various countries and confiscated through coordinated efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
He stressed that the illegal pharmaceuticals posed severe risks to public health, safety, and national security.
“We are destroying 64 40ft containers with an estimated market value running into hundreds of billions of Naira. This action is being carried out without fear or favour, sending a clear message to those involved in this illegal trade to desist,” Bomodi said.
He explained that the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with NAFDAC and NDLEA, ensures strict security measures at the ports to prevent the importation of illegal substances. The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) is coordinating the exercise to guarantee proper evacuation, isolation, and destruction of the illicit goods.
Commodore Kingsley Ogbonna, representing the NSA, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating fake and expired drugs from circulation.
“The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has made it clear that these items must be destroyed at all costs to prevent them from re-entering the market. The multi-agency approach demonstrates the government’s firm stance against such illegal activities,” he stated.
This operation is part of a nationwide crackdown on counterfeit and unauthorised medications that pose serious health risks to the public.