The Oyo-Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized counterfeit pharmaceutical products, valuing N1.4 billion in Duty Paid Value.
Dr. Ben Oramalugo, the Area Controller, disclosed to reporters in Ibadan on Thursday that the intercepted drugs, primarily antibiotics packaged in sacks, pose a potentially greater threat than light arms and ammunition.
“Anybody carrying fake drugs is an enemy of the country; the seizures we have made are very huge.
“If we have allowed these fake drugs into the country, a lot of people would have fallen victim,’’ he said.
Oramalugo, addressing reporters, further mentioned that the command confiscated 345 bags of rice (each weighing 50kg), 53 sacks containing used clothing and shoes, and 1,309 units of used tyres.
Additionally, the seizures included 344 kegs of petrol (25kg each), 61 bottles of vegetable oil, and 34 cartons of illicitly imported wines.
The area controller affirmed the Customs Service’s commitment to heightening its efforts against smuggling and ensuring strict adherence to the Federal Government’s policy on complete border closure.
“We are committed to facilitating trade in essential commodities and supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance food security.
“All borders within the command’s area of responsibility are still closed. We shall remain vigilant to prevent smuggling of items that could compromise the well-being of Nigerians,’’ he said.
Oramalugo also told newsmen that the command collected N5.6 billion in revenues in February raising the total so far collected in 2024 to N12.4 billion.
