The Federal Operations Unit ‘A’ of Nigeria Customs Service in Ikeja, Lagos State on Wednesday said it intercepted two Mercedes Benz trucks loaded with fake pharmaceutical products valued at N12.5 million.
Alhaji Nuhu Mahmoud, the unit controller, told reporters in Lagos that the Duty Paid Value of the fake drugs was N13.7 million.
Mahmoud said that the drugs had been handed over to the appropriate government agency after thorough investigation.
He said that the registration numbers of the two trucks were XA 217 ALA and DGE 9I5 XA
Mahmoud said that the seizure was made by the Headquarters Monitoring Team, Idi-Iroko/Ogun axis, under the leadership of an assistant comptroller of customs.
He said that the Idi-Iroko monitoring team made the interception at about 10am on January 5 along Sagamu/Ijebu-Ode Expressway.
Mahmoud said that the seizure was as a result of heightened surveillance by the unit, particularly during the festive period, which some businessmen wanted to take advantage of.
He said: “There was an earlier directive by the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Abdullahi Dikko Inde, to the effect that all flanks be blocked during the yuletide period.
“The directive had provided the needed impetus for this spectacular seizure.”
Mahmud said he appreciated the operational competence of the coordinating team that made the seizure possible.
Mahmoud listed some of the seized fake drugs as Vega tablets, Septrin suspension, Cicatrin powder, Nilstat oral drops and Dettol disinfectant.
Others included Optalidon tablets, Ampiclox suspension, Disprin tablets, CAC 1000 Sandoz, Augmentin syrup, Encephabol liquid and Strepsil tablets.
Mahmoud expressed his gratitude to the comptroller general of customs and his management team for equipping the unit with functional vehicles as well as other logistics support.
He said the assistance had been providing the platform for the operational successes of the unit.
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