The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has transferred a cache of confiscated pharmaceuticals worth millions of naira to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Comptroller Michael Ugbuagu, head of NCS Zone C, formally handed over the seized drugs to NAFDAC’s Imo State Coordinator, Mrs. Mercy Ndukwe, on Friday in Owerri.
Ugbuagu revealed that the contraband pharmaceuticals were intercepted by FOU Zone C officers during routine patrols between January and February 2025. The 35 seized items included unregistered, expired, and controlled drugs such as Cadolin, Tutolin, and Tramed.
According to him, some of the illicit drugs were concealed in sacks mixed with other non-contraband goods instead of being packaged in cartons. The majority of the seizures occurred at Onitsha Head Bridge, while others were intercepted at Ewu, en route to various destinations across the country.
“These items are often transported using waybills, making it challenging to apprehend those involved,” Ugbuagu explained.
He emphasized that the handover aligns with the Customs Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi’s policy of fostering inter-agency collaboration.
In response, Ndukwe commended the partnership between NCS and NAFDAC, highlighting its crucial role in curbing the sale and distribution of unregistered and controlled substances in Nigeria.
