The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Federal Operations Unit Zone C, Owerri, has handed over assorted contraband pharmaceuticals worth millions of naira to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.

Comptroller Michael Ugbuagu, in charge of NCS Zone C, Owerri, handed over the confiscated contraband to the Coordinator of NAFDAC in Imo, Mrs. Mercy Ndukwe, on Friday in Owerri.

Ugbuagu, who showcased the contraband medications, said they were intercepted by officers of FOU Zone C between January and February 2025 during routine patrol operations.

He said the 35 assorted seized items were unregistered, expired, and controlled pharmaceuticals, including Cadolin, Tutolin, and Tramed.

Ugbuagu said some of them were concealed in sacks with other non-contraband goods instead of cartons.

“Most of the items were seized at the Onitsha Head Bridge and some at Ewu on their way to other parts of the country.

“Most times, the items are conveyed through waybills, making it difficult to make arrests,” he stated.

Ugbuagu said the handover of the confiscated items was in line with the policy thrust of collaboration and fostering inter-agency relationships set by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.

Responding, the NAFDAC coordinator, Ndukwe, lauded the collaboration between the two agencies, noting that it had helped control the sale and consumption of unregistered and controlled substances in the country.

Nigeria Customs hands over seized contraband pharmaceuticals to NAFDAC