Nigeria Customs uncovers fake NAFDAC registration in a N53.4bn drug seizure, intercepting codeine, cannabis and expired medicines to protect Nigerians.
The Nigeria Customs Service has uncovered a sophisticated attempt to flood the country’s pharmaceutical market with unregistered medicines bearing a fake registration number belonging to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The discovery formed part of a sweeping anti-smuggling operation that also led to the interception of narcotics, expired medicines and other prohibited goods with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N53.4 billion.
The seizure highlights the growing determination of Nigeria Customs to combat criminal networks that exploit Nigeria’s ports to import dangerous products capable of threatening public health and national security.
Authorities believe the operation prevented thousands of potentially harmful medicines from reaching consumers.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, announced the development during the official handover of confiscated narcotic drugs and expired pharmaceutical products to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and NAFDAC at the Apapa Area Command.
According to Adeniyi, intelligence gathering, cargo scanning technology, detailed physical examinations and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies enabled officers to detect several suspicious shipments that initially appeared to comply with import regulations.
Among the most disturbing discoveries was a shipment containing 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules carrying a counterfeit NAFDAC registration number.
The importers allegedly backed the consignment with forged documents designed to convince authorities that the medicines had been legally approved for sale in Nigeria.
Customs officials explained that routine verification procedures exposed the fraud after investigators confirmed that the registration details did not exist in NAFDAC’s records.
The discovery immediately raised concerns that the products could have entered the market under false regulatory approval if they had escaped inspection.
Adeniyi described the use of fake registration numbers as a deliberate attempt to undermine Nigeria’s drug regulatory system and expose citizens to unsafe pharmaceutical products.
He warned that criminal syndicates continue to adopt increasingly sophisticated methods to disguise prohibited imports, making intelligence-driven enforcement and inter-agency cooperation more important than ever.
Beyond the fake pharmaceutical shipment, Nigeria Customs recorded several other significant seizures involving narcotics concealed inside imported cargo.
Officers intercepted two 40-foot containers loaded with Cannabis Sativa carefully hidden among imported vehicles, automobile spare parts and household goods.
One container contained 3,639 parcels of cannabis weighing approximately 1,819.5 kilograms, while another concealed 9,918 sachets with an estimated weight of 4.95 metric tonnes.
Investigators believe the concealment methods were carefully planned to avoid detection during routine inspections.
However, enhanced scanning technology and targeted intelligence enabled Customs officers to isolate the suspicious containers before they could be cleared from the port.
Another major interception involved two containers carrying 3,398 cartons of Codeine Syrup, representing approximately 339,800 bottles.
The controlled medicine had allegedly been hidden inside consignments declared as insulated casserole dishes and other household products.
Codeine syrup remains one of the most abused controlled substances in Nigeria, particularly among young people, making its illegal importation a major concern for both security agencies and public health regulators.
The operation also uncovered three containers filled with expired pharmaceutical products that were no longer safe for public use.
Among the seized medicines were Tramadol, Oxytocin injections, Carbamazepine tablets, Cloxicillin capsules, Vitamin B12 injections and B-Complex injections.
Authorities said allowing expired medicines into circulation could expose patients to ineffective treatment, adverse reactions and other serious health complications.
Consequently, the products have been earmarked for regulatory action and environmentally safe disposal.
Customs officers further intercepted another shipment containing Piccan Teething Powder, adding to the growing list of pharmaceutical products prevented from entering Nigeria through illegal channels.
Adeniyi noted that the successful operations demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led border management introduced by Nigeria Customs to strengthen cargo monitoring and disrupt transnational smuggling networks.
He explained that modern scanning equipment, improved risk assessment systems and stronger collaboration with agencies such as the NDLEA and NAFDAC have significantly enhanced Customs’ ability to identify concealed contraband before it reaches the market.
According to him, the value of the seizures extends far beyond the estimated N53.4 billion attached to the intercepted cargo.
He said every illegal shipment removed from circulation represents lives protected, families preserved and communities shielded from the devastating consequences of drug abuse and unsafe medicines.
The Comptroller-General stressed that preventing counterfeit and expired medicines from entering Nigeria remains one of the agency’s highest priorities because of the direct impact such products can have on public health.
He confirmed that all confiscated narcotic drugs have been formally transferred to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of individuals connected with the illegal imports.
Similarly, expired pharmaceutical products have been handed over to NAFDAC for laboratory examination, regulatory procedures and safe destruction in accordance with existing health regulations.
Meanwhile, vehicles, automobile spare parts and other legitimate goods allegedly used to conceal the prohibited items will remain in the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service pending forfeiture proceedings, condemnation by the courts, revenue recovery processes and other enforcement actions permitted under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Security analysts believe the latest seizures demonstrate the importance of sustained investment in port surveillance, intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation.
They also argue that stronger enforcement measures will discourage criminal organisations seeking to exploit Nigeria’s maritime gateways for illegal trade.
As smuggling methods continue to evolve, Nigeria Customs has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening border security, protecting legitimate trade and preventing dangerous substances from reaching Nigerian communities.
The agency says it will continue deploying intelligence, technology and strategic partnerships to dismantle smuggling networks while safeguarding public health and national security.
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