The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Port Command in its continuous stride, has reported a huge seizure of
of prohibited and restricted items worth N921 million between January and April 2025.
The seized items include drones, illicit drugs, unregistered pharmaceuticals, and sex enhancement products, among others.
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, gave the breakdown of the seized items as:
*Unregistered Pharmaceuticals which constitute 63.7 per cent of the seized items lack NAFDAC registration numbers, contravening Section 28 of the NAFDAC Act.
*Expired Food Items that pose health risks due to compromised safety profiles, violating food regulations.
*Controlled Equipment comprising Drone technology and telecommunications devices imported without End-User Certificates from ONSA, breaching national security regulations.
Adeniyi disclosed that the NCS has identified six patters employed by criminals in carrying out their smuggling activities.
These include; *Misdeclaration saying that importers deliberately classify pharmaceuticals as general merchandise or cosmetics.
*Diversification: Importers combining pharmaceuticals, food items, and controlled technology in systematic shipments.
*Exploitation of regulatory gaps – Consignments originating from jurisdictions with less stringent pharmaceutical export controls.
The Customs boss lamented that the seized items pose serious health risks, including potential cardiovascular complications and harmful drug interactions when used without proper medical supervision.
He described the development of the importation of unregulated sexual performance drugs as a disturbing trend
The CGC reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting national security, economic prosperity, and public health.
He also emphasised the need for public attention to these patterns and the Agency’s efforts to combat smuggling activities.