Nigeria Customs Service Seizes Prohibited Items and Unregistered Pharmaceuticals at Apapa Port

By Lod Onyeji 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made significant seizures of prohibited items and unregistered pharmaceuticals at the Apapa Port Command. The seizures, valued at ₦921,021,213, include 11 consignments of contraband items.

Key Seizures

1. Unregistered Pharmaceuticals: Several containers were seized containing unregistered pharmaceutical products, including sexual enhancement drugs and pain relief medications.
   
   
   
2. Expired Food Items: Two containers of expired margarine products were seized and condemned via court orders.
   
   
   
3. Controlled Equipment: 113 units of drones and communication devices were seized for lack of end-user certificates.

The NCS has identified several patterns in the seizures, including:

1. Sexual Enhancement Drugs: A disturbing trend in the importation of unregulated sexual performance drugs.
2. Strategic Misdeclaration: Importers have been misdeclaring pharmaceuticals as general merchandise or cosmetics.
3. Diversification of Contraband: Organized networks are diversifying their contraband portfolios.

Inter-Agency Collaboration

The NCS has collaborated with regulatory agencies, including NAFDAC, NDLEA, and ONSA, to enhance enforcement capabilities.

Conclusion

The NCS has reaffirmed its commitment to securing Nigeria's borders and protecting public health. The service urges stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring compliance with import guidelines.