The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted and seized a staggering amount of counterfeit drugs valued at over N1 billion along the Bakatari area of Omi-Adio, Ibadan, Oyo State. The announcement came from the NCS’s Oyo/Osun Commander, Ben Oramalugo, during a press briefing held in Ibadan on Friday.
Oramalugo emphasized the NCS’s commitment to combating smuggling, stating that the intercepted fake drugs had a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,739,000,000 for the fiscal year 2024. He reiterated the command’s enforcement-oriented approach, aimed at curbing illicit trade activities and safeguarding the economic stability and well-being of Nigerian citizens.
Highlighting the recent achievements of the NCS in its anti-smuggling efforts, Oramalugo revealed a series of intercepted contraband goods seized by the command between January 19th and February 2024. The seized items included 345 bags of foreign parboiled rice worth N24,218,000, 344 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N5,728,500, and 4 wraps of Indian Hemp worth N126,000.
Additionally, the NCS confiscated 1309 pieces of used tires with a value of N70,140,000, as well as various quantities of used clothes and shoes, amounting to N32,400,000 and N10,320,000 respectively. These seizures underscored the NCS’s relentless efforts to combat smuggling activities across various sectors, ranging from narcotics to essential commodities.
Oramalugo reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and tackling the ongoing economic challenges facing the nation. By intercepting contraband goods and counterfeit drugs, the NCS remains at the forefront of safeguarding public health and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards in the country.
The seizure of fake drugs worth over N1 billion serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive threat posed by counterfeit pharmaceuticals to public health and safety. The NCS’s proactive measures in intercepting these illegal substances demonstrate the government’s determination to combat illicit trade and protect the welfare of its citizens.
As investigations continue into the source and distribution network of the seized counterfeit drugs, the NCS remains vigilant in its efforts to uphold the rule of law and maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s borders.
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