Customs, NAFDAC Join Forces Against Illicit Pharmaceuticals To Safeguard Public Health

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over a large consignment of seized Tramadol and Natizol tablets to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as part of renewed efforts to intensify the fight against drug smuggling.

The handover ceremony, held on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, was conducted on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, underscoring the Service’s continued collaboration with regulatory and security agencies in tackling the menace of illicit pharmaceuticals.

Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Administration, Timothy Worsen, described the exercise as a significant step in the collective national effort to disrupt drug trafficking networks operating across the South-West region.

“The seizure was made along the Ijebu Ode corridor between the 1st and 11th of June 2026.

The illicit pharmaceuticals were conveyed in a Toyota Hilux, and two suspects were arrested following coordinated intelligence and the well-executed surveillance operations,” He stated.

He noted that the seized tramadol tablets have a Value of ₦180million.

Worsen expressed concern over the growing link between illicit drugs and insecurity in the country, warning that drug trafficking continues to fuel violent crimes and other criminal activities.

“It is important to note that the heightened security situation in our nation today is linked to the illegal importation and distribution of dangerous drugs, which act as chemical catalysts for committing various crimes,” he said.

He called for stronger intelligence sharing and collaboration among relevant agencies to dismantle criminal supply chains and reduce the availability of dangerous pharmaceuticals in the country.

The seized items were formally received by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement of NAFDAC, Martins Iluyomade.

He expressed satisfaction with the professionalism of the Unit’s officers and called for greater strategic inter-agency collaboration.