TINCAN COMMAND HANDS THREE CONTAINERS OF EXPIRED DRUGS TO NAFDAC IN LINE WITH SAFEGUARDING THE HEALTH OF THE NATION

By Okey Iroegbu

Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller CAC of Tincan Island Ports Command at a press briefing on Friday, February 6, 2026 informed the media that the command intercepted some expired medicaments. The command in a bid to further tighten the grip on its fight against illicit and dangerous pharmaceuticals, confiscated and handed over these three containers of expired medicaments to the National Agency For Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC). At the formal handing over of these expired drugs, the Controller reiterated that the command’s commitment to public health and national security led to the Command going the extra miles to ensure illicit drugs are not brought in through the Tincan Island Port Command. While addressing the media at the enforcement unit of the command, the CAC stated that the seizure was part of the command’s sustained anti-smuggling drive, even as he insisted that it was a collective responsibility to protect Nigerians. According to Comptroller Onyeka, the seizure reflected the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerians from harmful and substandard products. He added that the Command had continued to record significant operational successes through enhanced cargo examination, intelligence-led enforcement and sustained inter-agency collaboration. “Beyond these seizures, the Command has remained proactive in intercepting prohibited and falsely declared goods, including controlled pharmaceuticals, arms and ammunition, narcotics, and other items capable of undermining public safety and economic stability. “At the same time,

we have continued to facilitate legitimate trade and contribute significantly to revenue generation, in line with the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service,” Onyeka said. He commended NAFDAC for its consistent cooperation, noting that the synergy between both agencies had yielded positive outcomes in preventing fake, substandard and expired drugs from

reaching the Nigerianpopulace. The two out of the three containers, numbered PONU031958/6 and MSKU711656/0, were found to contain expired Tramadol tablets. Through proper examination it w3as revealed that one container contained 86 cartons of Vingil Tramadol BP 50mg, while the second container had 250 cartons of the same product. The third container, MSKU413519/1, contained 370 cartons of expired Diclofenac Sodium BP 50mg tablets without a valid NAFDAC registration number. In total, the three

containers held 706 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, posing serious risks to public safety if allowed into circulation. Comptroller Onyeka reassured the public of the Command’s continued commitment to combating illicit trade, enforcing compliance with existing laws, and working closely with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property. Finally Comptroller Onyeka handed over the drugs to the NAFDAC Officers at the occasion as he praised the officers and men of the Command for their resilience and dedication to duty. He assured the general public that the Command would remain resolute in combating illicit trade, enforcing compliance with extant laws and working closely with sister agencies to safeguard lives and properties.