In its sustained fight against illicit drugs, the Port Harcourt Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service intercepts ₦50 million worth of expired drugs, while the Eastern Marine Command auctions N25.53 million seized goods in Oron, Akwa Ibom State
By Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
Officers and men of the Port Harcourt Area I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have again proved their mettle in checkmating smuggling as they intercepted and handed over a 40-foot container with over 1,000 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for destruction.
Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, made this known while handing over the seized items to NAFDAC officials in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (CPRO), B. Aanee, disclosed that the Port Harcourt Area I Command intercepted and handed over a 40-foot container of expired pharmaceutical products valued at over ₦50 million to NAFDAC.
Atuluku, who said the seizure remains a further proof of the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against the importation of expired, substandard and harmful drugs into the country, revealed that the container, MRSU 3199206, arrived from the United States and was inspected on June 22, 2026 at Sheld III.
A joint examination by Customs, NAFDAC and other agencies revealed 606 cartons of Ibuprofen Capsules, 173 cartons of Donepezil Hydrochloride Tablets and 266 cartons of Subvenite Tablets and Other expired pharmaceutical products
“The interception averted what could have become a serious public health threat. Expired medicines pose significant risks to consumers,” Comptroller Atuluku said, while warning importers and criminal networks against using the Port Harcourt port to bring in expired or prohibited pharmaceuticals.
“The success of this operation reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that only safe, genuine and properly regulated pharmaceutical products are allowed into the country,” she stated.
She also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his intelligence-driven leadership and support for inter-agency collaboration.
Receiving the items, Deputy Director, Port Inspection Directorate, NAFDAC, Pharm. Adepoju Bayo Raufu, commended the NCS for its vigilance and professionalism and assured that NAFDAC will immediately commence regulatory procedures for safe destruction of the drugs in line with environmental safety standards.
Also speaking, NAFDAC Zonal Director, South-South, Pharm. Chukwuma Oligbu, described the handover as “a clear demonstration of the strong collaboration between NAFDAC and NCS and called for sustained cooperation to fight fake and expired medicines.
In a related development, Acting Controller, Eastern Marine Command, DC Esien Esiet, who addressed bidders during the public auction of seized petroleum and palm oil products worth ₦26.53 million at the Command’s Outstation in Oron, expressed confidence that the move will protect the nation’s local industry.
The public auction was conducted at the Command’s Outstation in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, under the supervision of the Acting Controller, Deputy Comptroller Esien Esiet, adding that the auction was carried out in line with Section 119 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
The goods auctioned included: 14,720 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 14,925 litres of industrial palm oil, edible palm oil and vegetable oil with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦26.53 million.
DC Esiet explained that the products were intercepted during anti-smuggling operations within the Command’s maritime area of responsibility, noting, “Such illegal activities undermine local industries, distort market competition and deprive the government of revenue.”
The Acting Controller said the exercise reflects the Service’s commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of government assets and that the auction underscores the Command’s resolve to curb smuggling and create a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to thrive.
Esiet, who commended officers and men of the Command for their professionalism and resilience in securing Nigeria’s maritime borders despite the challenging terrain, assured bidders that the process was conducted in a fair, transparent and legally compliant manner, providing equal opportunity to all eligible participants.
He expressed commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his leadership anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, while acknowledged the support of other security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and the media.
DC Esiet urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and support the NCS in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests and promoting local industrial growth.
