Two containers load of pirated films and restricted drugs from China was on Tuesday handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) by the Customs Area Controller of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, Lami Wushishi.
The two containers were laden with Augmentin 625mg, pirated films and Laclox, a restricted drug that is injurious to people.
Comptroller Wushishi who presided over the handing over ceremony at the Command’s premises highlighted that the two containers marked PCIU 829442-6 and MRKU 416397-2 and originated from China fell under false declaration.
“The pharmaceutical products are restricted drugs by NAFDAC and the Customs and Excise Management Act Cap. C45 LFN 2004, Section 167(2) directs that such consignment should be disposed-off in such a manner as deemed appropriate.
“Therefore, the consignment is handed over to the appropriate agency within the country for proper disposal,” Wushishi said, urging NAFDAC to engage the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on the intercepted pirated CD films.
She emphasised the need for honest declaration, noting that if stakeholders at the ports make honestly declaration of the goods they import, statistics for national planning would improve and the country would develop a stronger basis for trade data; whose analysis can positively influence operational decisions and a more rapidly growing economy.
She assured that the Command would continue to cooperate with other sister agencies towards enforcing compliance with fiscal policies, while promoting trade facilitation and national security.
She also pledged the commitment of officers and men of the command to support the Comptroller-General of Customs’ agenda to facilitate trade and remain responsive to the yearnings of Nigerians.
The Deputy Director of NAFDAC in charge of Compliance and Enforcement, Mrs Oluwatoyin Emmanuel who received the cargo, said that the agency would still conduct 100 per cent examination on the drugs received from the Customs Service.
“We will also take the drugs to laboratory after we have analysed the contents and we are going to investigate further by getting in touch with the port of origin.
“The laboratory result will determine our next line of action on how to apprehend the importer and the agent,” Emmanuel said, adding that the agency would try its best to curb smuggling of unregistered products into the country with the support of other security agencies.
