₦20.5 Billion Drug Bust in Onne: Customs, NAFDAC Deepen Inter-Agency Synergy with Landmark Seizure

₦20.5 Billion Drug Bust in Onne: Customs, NAFDAC Deepen Inter-Agency Synergy with Landmark Seizure

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other security agencies, has intercepted 16 containers laden with unregistered and illicit pharmaceutical products valued at over ₦20.5 billion at the Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne.

This significant haul, announced during a press conference by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, marks one of the largest pharmaceutical seizures in recent years and underscores the renewed cooperation between security and regulatory bodies following the activation of the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NCS and NAFDAC.

“This operation is a result of intelligence-led enforcement and a reinvigorated partnership across Nigeria’s security architecture,” said CGC Adeniyi. “It aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy focus on border security, public health, and national safety. We are resolute in ensuring that Nigeria’s borders are not used to compromise the health and wellbeing of our citizens.”

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The seized contraband, cleverly disguised as innocent consumer goods such as tomato paste, ceiling fans, and plumbing materials, was part of an elaborate smuggling attempt. Adeniyi described the smugglers’ method as “sophisticated concealment tactics” aimed at evading detection.

Among the confiscated items were: 1.3 million bottles of Codeine syrup (100ml each), 9.3 million tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac, 12.6 million tablets of Royal Tramadol (225mg), other unregistered pharmaceuticals such as Trodol, Hyergra, Bisoveu, and Bassuka.

The Comptroller-General emphasised that this seizure sends an unequivocal warning to trafficking syndicates: “The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with its enforcement partners, has zero tolerance for smuggling. The law will take its full course against all perpetrators.”

The containers were formally handed over to the Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, for regulatory follow-up, including comprehensive inspection, laboratory testing, documentation, and eventual destruction.

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A visibly disturbed Professor Adeyeye praised the Customs Service for its vigilance and warned of the grave public health implications of the intercepted products.

“It is utterly shocking,” she said. “These are substances that destroy lives—Codeine, Tramadol, fake painkillers. Concealing them in tomato paste is not just deceitful; it’s criminal. This isn’t commerce—it’s murder for profit.”

She reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring that no unregistered drug would infiltrate the Nigerian pharmaceutical market. “NAFDAC is WHO-certified with globally standard laboratories and trained personnel. These products will be thoroughly vetted and incinerated. We will not allow Nigeria to become a dumping ground for substandard or dangerous drugs.”

Describing the importers as “merchants of death,” Professor Adeyeye called on all stakeholders to remain vigilant and supportive of the fight against illicit drug importation.

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Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Customs Area Controller for Port Harcourt II Command, Comptroller Muhammed Babandede, described the seizure as “brief but historic,” highlighting the collaborative efforts of sister agencies including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

“The intercepted consignment consisted of eleven 40-foot containers filled with illegal medicines, four micro containers of bottled water, and one container of salt. This joint success is a testament to the strength of our cooperation and reflects the Service’s strategy built on unity, consolidation, and innovation,” said Babandede.

This Onne interception follows closely on the heels of another high-profile seizure at Apapa Port just last week, where 25 containers of substandard medical devices were uncovered, further signalling a tightening of regulatory and enforcement controls across Nigerian ports.

All agencies present reaffirmed their collective commitment to boosting intelligence-sharing, surveillance, and enforcement operations in alignment with national security objectives and global best practices.

Tersoo Agber

Journalist, Travel enthusiast, PR consultant, Content manager/editor, Online publisher.

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