The Nigeria Customs Service has announced that it intercepted fake pharmaceuticals, mostly antibiotics, with a duty-paid value of N1.4 billion at its Oyo-Osun Area Command, News About Nigeria reports.
Dr. Ben Oramalugo, the Area Controller, revealed this during a briefing with journalists on Wednesday.
According to Oramalugo, the intercepted drugs were packed in sacks.
Speaking on the potential danger posed by fake pharmaceuticals, Oramalugo stated that they could be even more harmful than light arms and ammunition.
He said that he holds the view that people involved in the trafficking of counterfeit drugs are considered enemies of the country.
“If we had allowed these fake drugs into the country, a lot of people would have fallen victim,” he said.
In addition to the fake pharmaceuticals, the Customs operatives at the Oyo-Osun Area Command seized 345 bags of rice (50kg each), 53 sacks of used clothing and shoes, and 1,309 pieces of used tyres.
Other confiscated items included 344 kegs of petrol (25kg each), 61 bottles of vegetable oil, and 34 cartons of smuggled wines.
Oramalugo said that the Customs Service will intensify efforts against smuggling activities and enforce the Federal Government’s policy on total border closure. He reiterated the agency’s dedication to facilitating trade in essential commodities while supporting the government’s initiatives to enhance food security.
“All borders within the command’s area of responsibility are still closed. We shall remain vigilant to prevent smuggling of items that could compromise the well-being of Nigerians,” he said.
Providing additional information, Oramalugo disclosed that the Oyo-Osun Area Command collected N5.6 billion in revenues in February, bringing the total amount collected in 2024 to N12.4 billion
