Customs Reinforces Ban on Pharmaceutical Transfers to Bonded Terminals

Customs Reinforces Ban on Pharmaceutical Transfers to Bonded Terminals

By prince Benson Davies

In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s borders against illicit trade, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the ban on transferring imported pharmaceuticals to bonded terminals nationwide. This decision follows alarming cases of abuse by importers, prompting Customs to tighten control and ensure all pharmaceutical imports are processed strictly within designated ports.

Speaking at the Apapa Area Command in Lagos, Adeniyi unveiled a major anti-smuggling operation that led to the seizure of 16 containers packed with contraband valued at over ₦10 billion. The seized items include
– Expired Pharmaceuticals and Unregistered Medicaments: In 16 containers.
– Contraband Drugs: Including Canadian marijuana (“Colorado Loud”) weighing 101kg.
– Arms and Ammunition: A pump-action rifle, cartridges, a Smith & Wesson pistol with ammunition.
– Banned Imports: Frozen poultry products, expired food products (margarine), prohibited used clothing, and counterfeit toothpastes.

Adeniyi emphasized that the NCS has adopted a zero-tolerance stance against smuggling, vowing to dismantle criminal networks attempting to turn Nigeria into a dumping ground for dangerous imports. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, with 3 being remanded in Ikoyi Prison and 2 granted administrative bail.

The Command’s vigilant operations led to the interception of two containers carrying questionable pharmaceutical products recently which had been closely monitored on the Command’s security radar