Nigeria Seizes 3 Containers of Expired Drugs at Lagos Port

Nigerian customs officers stopped over 700 cartons of expired medications from reaching hospitals and homes across the country. The seizure at Lagos's Tincan Island Port marks a major win in the fight to keep fake and dangerous drugs out of the market.

The Nigeria Customs Service discovered three containers hiding expired pharmaceutical products during routine cargo inspections. Two containers held 336 cartons of expired Tramadol pain medication, while a third contained 370 cartons of Diclofenac anti-inflammatory tablets that lacked proper registration.

Comptroller Frank Onyeka, who leads the Tincan Island command, handed over all seized drugs to Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Friday. The agency will destroy the medications by burning them to ensure they never reach consumers.

"This consignment is illegal and dangerous for public consumption," Onyeka warned during the handover ceremony. His team discovered the drugs through improved cargo examinations and stronger intelligence gathering at the busy port.

The Ripple Effect

The seizure reflects a broader commitment to protecting Nigerian families from health risks. Beyond stopping expired drugs, the customs command now actively intercepts controlled pharmaceuticals, narcotics, and other items threatening public safety.

The success stems from stronger partnerships between customs and health regulators. NAFDAC Chief Regulatory Officer Kareem Adekunle praised the collaboration and promised continued joint efforts to catch dangerous products before they enter the Nigerian market.

The command balances strict enforcement with supporting legitimate trade and revenue collection. Officers receive training on identifying suspicious shipments while processing legal cargo efficiently.

Onyeka credited his team's discipline and dedication for the operation's success, thanking Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi for reforms that strengthen customs operations nationwide. The command promises to maintain its vigilance in stopping illicit pharmaceuticals and protecting Nigerian lives.

Every intercepted shipment means families protected from potentially harmful medications that could worsen illnesses instead of treating them.