The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Tincan Island Port has intercepted and handed over three containers of expired pharmaceuticals to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), reinforcing its commitment to public health and anti-smuggling enforcement.
Speaking at the handover on Friday, 6 February 2026, Customs Area Controller Comptroller Frank Onyeka said the seizure reflects the vigilance and dedication of officers at the command. “The containers were found to contain expired tramadol and diclofenac tablets, some without valid NAFDAC registration, making them illegal and unsafe for public consumption,” he stated.
One container held 86 cartons of Vingil Tramadol BP 50mg, another 250 cartons of the same product, while the third contained 370 cartons of Diclofenac Sodium BP 50mg. Onyeka emphasised that the command remains resolute in intercepting prohibited and falsely declared goods—including controlled pharmaceuticals, arms, and narcotics—that pose risks to public safety and economic stability.
Receiving the items, NAFDAC Chief Regulatory Officer, Investigation and Enforcement, Kareem Taiwo, praised the inter-agency collaboration, noting, “We cannot do it alone. Our priority remains protecting the nation’s health, and we will ensure that only safe and wholesome products reach the public.”
The seizure follows a previous Tincan Island Port operation where cannabis sativa worth over ₦4.5 billion was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), highlighting ongoing coordinated efforts to curb illicit imports into Nigeria.
