NAFDAC receives seized illicit drugs worth N24.6m from Customs

Abdullateef Fowewe

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) received a shipment of smuggled and unregistered pharmaceutical products from the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit “A”.

This transfer is part of ongoing collaborative efforts to combat the distribution of illegal medicines.

The seized goods included a significant amount of prohibited Tramadol 250mg in unauthorised packaging, which was reportedly trafficked into the country by criminal organisations.

As stated on NAFDAC’s X (formally Twitter) account on Saturday, the total seizure was worth N24.6 million, and a suspect was handed over to NAFDAC for further investigation.

The statement reads, “In a continued show of inter-agency collaboration, NAFDAC received a consignment of smuggled, unregistered, and illicit pharmaceutical products from the Nigeria Customs Service (Federal Operations Unit “A”).

“The banned Tramadol 250mg in unapproved pack sizes, which had been smuggled into the country by criminal traffickers, was handed over to NAFDAC alongside the suspect for further investigation. The seizure is valued at ₦24.6 million.

“NAFDAC commends #CustomsNG for its continued efforts in safeguarding public health and supporting the Agency’s mandate to eliminate substandard and falsified medicines from circulation.”