*The Nigeria Customs Service discloses the destruction of the 64 containers of illicit pharmaceuticals at the RIWAMA dumpsite, in Aluu, Rivers State, was crucial emphasising that illegal pharmaceuticals pose significant risks to public health and safety, as well as national security

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

In support of the government and other stakeholders’ efforts at curbing the importation illegal medicines and substances, protecting consumers, and the economy, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has destroyed 64 containers of illicit pharmaceuticals in Rivers State, South-South region.

绿帽献妻 learnt the destruction of the contraband occurred at the RIWAMA dumpsite, in Aluu, in the state.

It is noted the destruction of the illegal medicines was part of a nationwide effort at curbing the proliferation of counterfeit and unauthorised medications that pose serious health risks to consumers.

Timi Bomodi, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs for Enforcement at NCS, supervised the exercise at the site, report said.

The NCS noted the success of the exercise was attributed to the coordinated efforts of sister agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Bomodi disclosed that each of the 64 seized containers measuring 40 feet, was valued at billions of Naira.

According to him, the contraband had been shipped into Nigeria from various countries of the world.

Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs for Enforcement also indicated that the containers were confiscated over time through the coordinated efforts of the NCS, NDLEA and NAFDAC.

On risks of illicit drugs to consumers, economy and national security

In regard to the far-reaching effects of application of illicit drugs and substances on Nigerians, Bomodi averred that illegal pharmaceuticals posed significant risks to public health and safety, as well as national security.

He further stated: “We are destroying about 64 40ft containers with an estimated market value that runs into hundreds of billions of Naira.

“As it is today, we are executing it without fear or favour and sending a clear message to all those who are engaged in this kind of practice that they should desist not just because it affects the health and well-being of Nigerians.”

The Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs for Enforcement of NCS, noted: “These containers have been arrested overtime by both officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, and other agencies.

“We have NAFDAC, we have NDLEA. As you must know these agencies work together at the Port to ensure that there are no breaches to the security architecture of the country especially with regard to importations. So, it is a joint exercise.

“The Office of the National Security Adviser is coordinating this exercise to ensure that we do a thorough job with regards to evacuation, isolation and destruction.鈥�

Bomodi, therefore, warned those involved in the business of smuggling illicit pharmaceuticals to desist from the illegal act, or face the full weight of the law when caught.

ONSA: Government committed to eliminating fake, expired medicines

Also speaking on the historic destruction of 64 containers of smuggled illicit medicines at a go, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA), restated the Nigerian Government’s commitment to tackling the menace of illegal drug dealership in the West African country.

Represented at the exercise by Commodore Kingsley Ogbonna, Ribadu reaffirmed the government鈥檚 dedication to eliminating fake and expired drugs from the Nigerian market.

Commodore Ogbonna stressed the NSA is strongly committed to clearing out illegal and substandard medications, as well as substances of abuse, from circulation.

He also stated: 鈥淭he National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu is emphatic that these items must be destroyed whatever the cost.

“The goal is to ensure they are permanently destroyed and do not make their way back to the public.

“The multi-agency approach the NSA adopted is to show government approach towards curbing such illegal activities.”

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