The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted a shipment of unregistered pharmaceutical products smuggled into Nigeria with a fake National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, registration number.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, during the handover of seized narcotics and expired drugs worth N53.4 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and NAFDAC at the Apapa Area Command in Lagos.
According to Adeniyi, one of the intercepted consignments contained 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules. The drugs carried a forged NAFDAC number and fake supporting documents designed to make them appear approved.
“Although the consignment initially appeared legitimate, detailed verification confirmed that the medicines were not registered with NAFDAC,” Adeniyi said.
“The use of a fake registration number and supporting documentation clearly indicates a deliberate attempt to smuggle unregistered pharmaceutical products into the Nigerian market, thereby posing a serious risk to public health.”
Unregistered or fake medicines bypass safety and quality checks. Health authorities warn that such products can be ineffective, contaminated, or dangerous, especially for children and patients with chronic illnesses.
Adeniyi said the fake NAFDAC case was part of nine major seizures recorded by the Apapa Area Command. The operations relied on intelligence gathering, scanning technology, physical examination, and collaboration with the NDLEA.
Two other containers were found carrying 3,398 cartons of Codeine Syrup, equivalent to 339,800 bottles. The syrup was concealed inside insulated casserole dishes and other household products. Codeine-based cough syrup has been a major focus of NDLEA’s anti-abuse campaign due to its misuse among youths.
Officers also seized three containers loaded with expired pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol, Oxytocin injections, Carbamazepine tablets, Cloxicillin capsules, Vitamin B12 injections, and B-Complex injections. All are to be subjected to regulatory action and safe disposal.
Another container carrying Piccan Teething Powder was intercepted in the same operation.
These seizures represent far more than monetary value. They represent lives protected, families preserved, communities secured and countless young Nigerians shielded from the devastating consequences of drug abuse and unsafe medicines,” he said.
He described the operation as proof of Customs’ commitment to protecting public health, national security, and Nigeria’s borders through intelligence-led enforcement.
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Apapa Port is Nigeria’s busiest seaport and a major entry point for imports. Smugglers often hide contraband in legitimate goods like furniture, auto parts, and household items to evade detection.
Customs and NDLEA have increased the use of scanners, risk profiling, and joint examinations at Apapa to curb the inflow of illicit drugs, fake medicines, and other prohibited items.
Forging NAFDAC registration numbers exploits public trust. Pharmacies, hospitals, and consumers who check those numbers may believe the products are safe and approved when they are not.
NAFDAC has repeatedly advised Nigerians to verify drug registration numbers on its official portal before purchase or distribution. The agency works closely with Customs to screen imports and pull dangerous products from the market
The Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 strengthened the agency’s authority to seize, detain, forfeit, and prosecute offenders. Goods used to conceal prohibited items can be condemned, and importers face fines, loss of goods, and criminal charges.
Adeniyi said Customs will continue to leverage intelligence, technology, and inter-agency cooperation to disrupt smuggling networks that endanger health and security
With this operation, thousands of kilograms of cannabis, hundreds of thousands of bottles of codeine, and multiple containers of expired or unregistered medicines have been taken off the market