Nigeria Customs Intercepts ₦92 Million Worth Of Expired Tramadol In Adamawa, Hands Over To NAFDAC
Hanny Henry
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has raised fresh concerns over the proliferation of expired and counterfeit pharmaceuticals in the country, following the seizure and handover of 91 cartons of expired Tramadol capsules to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Adamawa State.
The consignment, valued at over ₦92 million, was intercepted during a targeted operation in Mubi Local Government Area, a border town increasingly identified as a hotspot for cross-border smuggling and illicit trade.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, Garba Bashir,the Customs Area Controller for the Adamawa/Taraba Command, described the seizure as a critical move to protect public health and enhance national security.
“Had these expired Tramadol capsules reached the public, they could have resulted in mass morbidity and mortality. Beyond endangering lives, such substances degrade our human capital, undermine fair market practices, and fuel drug dependency among our youth,” Bashir stated.
He further warned that pharmaceutical smuggling contributes to a broader spectrum of societal challenges, including organised crime, youth delinquency, and social instability.
According to Bashir, the operation was conducted in accordance with Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which authorises the Service to intercept, confiscate, and process counterfeit or hazardous goods.
“This is not just about expired drugs it’s about dismantling criminal supply chains and preventing the infiltration of harmful substances into our communities,” he added.
Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Bashir revealed that over one million deaths occur globally each year as a result of substandard or falsified medical products, with Africa being the most affected region.
He confirmed that the expired drugs, now in the custody of NAFDAC, will be jointly destroyed at a later date in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Beyond the Tramadol seizure, the Adamawa/Taraba Command recorded 29 smuggling cases in the last six weeks, amounting to a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦112.59 million. Items seized include:
20,600 litres of petroleum products concealed in 824 jerry cans,
54 cartons of imported soap, and
64 pieces of donkey skin, a product banned under Nigeria’s wildlife protection laws.
Bashir noted that the seized petroleum products will be auctioned in accordance with federal guidelines, with proceeds to be remitted to the Federation Account.
In his remarks,Gonzuk Bedima, the NAFDAC Coordinator for Adamawa State, commended the Customs Service for its proactive stance and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to joint enforcement efforts.
“On behalf of my Director for the Northeast Zone and the Director-General of NAFDAC, we express deep appreciation for this synergy. The protection of public health is a shared responsibility,” Bedima stated.
The partnership between NCS and NAFDAC underscores Nigeria’s strengthened commitment to curbing the circulation of counterfeit and expired pharmaceuticals and reflects a broader national effort to secure the health and safety of its citizens.
