The Nigeria Customs Service has transferred unregistered pharmaceutical products valued at ₦5.8 million to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and regulatory action.

The seized medicines were intercepted by patrol officers of the Customs Service’s Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command along the Illela-Sokoto Road following intelligence reports, according to the command’s Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Haliru Abdullahi.

Abdullahi disclosed this during the official handover at the command’s headquarters in Sokoto on Wednesday, describing the operation as part of efforts to prevent the distribution of unregistered medicines and safeguard public health.

He said the consignment comprised 360 packages of anti-cold medicines, 500 packages of amodiaquine, 140 packages of paracetamol and 100 packages of quinine. The products have a combined Duty Paid Value of ₦5,804,062.06.

The acting controller explained that the successful interception was made possible by credible intelligence and the vigilance of the command’s patrol teams.

He noted that the importation of unregistered pharmaceutical products contravenes Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, as well as NAFDAC regulations.

Abdullahi warned smugglers and dealers involved in the illegal pharmaceutical trade to desist, stressing that the command would continue to take action against activities that threaten public health and the nation’s economy.

He commended the officers responsible for the interception and acknowledged NAFDAC’s cooperation with Customs in preventing prohibited and unregistered products from entering circulation.

Receiving the seized medicines on behalf of NAFDAC, the agency’s Sokoto State Coordinator, AbduSalam Lawal, praised the Customs Service for its continued support in tackling the distribution of potentially harmful pharmaceutical products.

Lawal said sustained collaboration between both agencies was essential to preventing unregistered medicines from reaching consumers and ensuring that intercepted products undergo the appropriate regulatory procedures.

He also reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Customs to curb the circulation of unsafe and unauthorised pharmaceutical products across the country.

The transfer underscores ongoing efforts by both agencies to combat the illegal movement of medicines and protect Nigerians from the risks associated with unregistered pharmaceutical products.