National news
FG Continues Crackdown on Illicit Drugs, Destroying Additional 200 Containers
- The drugs confiscated by authorities comprised expired pharmaceuticals and regulated substances that require strict medical oversight.
- Ribadu revealed that the recently destroyed drugs were seized at the Apapa, Tin Can, and Lekki seaports.
- A total number of destroyed containers reaching 450 in the first quarter of 2025
The Federal Government Joint Committee on the destruction of fake, illicit, and expired pharmaceuticals has taken decisive action by destroying an additional 200 containers of substandard drugs worth billions of Naira.
Eko Hot Blog reports that these drugs were imported through the Apapa and Tin-Can Island seaports.
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This latest destruction exercise follows a previous operation in January 2025, during which the committee, comprising the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), National Security Adviser (NSA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and Nigerian Army, disposed of 250 containers of expired pharmaceutical products.
With the total number of destroyed containers reaching 450 in the first quarter of 2025, the committee has demonstrated its commitment to curbing the importation of illicit and controlled drugs to protect public health and mitigate drug-related crimes in the country.
The pharmaceuticals destroyed include Tramadol, codeine, Apetamine, and Analgin injection, among others.
Speaking to newsmen the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, emphasized the significance of eliminating dangerous pharmaceuticals, such as Tramadol and Codeine, from circulation to prevent their abuse and reduce their contribution to criminal activities in the country.
Represented by Ibrahim Sulaiman, Ribadu revealed that the recently destroyed drugs were seized at the Apapa, Tin Can, and Lekki seaports.
He also mentioned that a similar destruction operation had taken place in Port Harcourt as part of the initial phase of this initiative.
“The National Security Adviser is very passionate about ensuring that these illicit drugs do not remain in circulation. The government will not allow perpetrators to act with impunity; they will be arrested and prosecuted,” he stated.
The drugs confiscated by authorities comprised expired pharmaceuticals and regulated substances that require strict medical oversight.
Assistant Customs Controller A.O Oguntuase from FOU Zone A commended the collaborative work of security agencies in enforcing regulations to prevent these illegal imports from entering the country.
“Through intelligence gathering and swift action, we have been able to prevent the distribution of these drugs.
“The value of the destroyed substances is enormous, with each container estimated to be worth close to a billion naira,” he said.
On his part, representative of the NDLEA, DC Omotosho Solomon, stated that suspects arrested in connection with the goods were being tried in court.
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Solomon warned importers engaged in the trafficking of illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals to desist from such acts or face the full process of law on illegal importation.
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