Customs, NAFDAC committed to fighting drug smuggling

Nigeria   Customs   Service   and   National   Agency   for   Food   Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have restated their commitment to suppress the smuggling of drugs and other harmful pharmaceutical products. At the resumed destruction of tramadol and other prohibited/fake drugs worth N14.7 billion at Oke-Diya dumpsite in Sagamu, Ogun State, Chairman of the joint committee, Victor Dimka, told newsmen that smugglers will continue to suffer huge economic losses if they continue with such importations

Dimka, who is Comptroller, Enforcement at Customs Headquarters, described the   seizures   made   in   different   parts of the   country   as   a   proof   of uncompromising commitment to enforcement by Customs and NAFDAC officials. Dimka reiterated the charge by Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali, to all officers of the service to shun compromise and strictly enforce the law on anti smuggling. He also commended the level of cooperation Customs is receiving from NAFDAC, the Army   and   other   government organisatins, describing it as   a  good   example   of inter-agency cooperation between sister government outfits. This destruction is in continuation of the exercise we started July 24, 2019 involving 58 containers of illicit drugs seized by our men. After the Lagos exercise, we shall be going to Port Harcourt and Kaduna to continue with the destruction,” he said. Comptroller General of Customs, who was represented by ACG Zone A, Mrs Katharine Ekekezie, blamed importers of the drugs for several drug induced sicknesses like cancer, renal failure and heart failure. She urged Nigerians to distant themselves from the drugs that are capable of destroying lives and endanger the country while advising importers to bring in things permitted by law. Also speaking at the destruction site, representative of the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Pharmacists Joseph Asikpo, a   Deputy   Director,described   some   of   the   seized   drugs   as medicines produced in contravention of approved dosages. He   narrated   their   adverse   effects on consumers   to   include   contracted pupils, extreme  drowsiness,  slowed  breathing, slowed  heartbeat,  weak muscles and  loss of consciousness which could lead to death.

Related News

500
Leave a comment...