Sokoto/Zamfara Customs Hands Offensive Medication To NAFDAC

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service, Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command, recently handed over a large quantity of seized unregistered pharmaceuticals to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Sokoto.

This is even as the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Musa Omale  informed that the handing over is in line with the collaborative policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, which places premium on the standard operating procedure (SOP) amongst agencies of government.

Comptroller Omale in a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Tsafe, warned against illegal engagement in the importation of  distribution of unregistered and unauthorized medications , noting “the Command is battle ready to curtail such nefarious deeds.”

Comptroller Omale highlighted the dangers posed by counterfeit and unregistered drugs, calling it a global scourge that requires concerted efforts to combat while assuring NAFDAC of the unwavering support of the Sokoto/Zamfara Command in its fight against the menace.

He explained that importing pharmaceutical drugs through land borders is not permitted and that “all legal importation must occur through designated seaports, meeting strict documentation requirements.”

The seized drugs handed over to NAFDAC include 450 cartons of Real Extra Tablets, 405 cartons of sex enhancement drugs, 148 cartons of condoms, 30 cartons of Vernos chewable drugs, and other assorted unregistered medications.

Alhaji Garba Abubakar Adamu , the Sokoto State Coordinator of NAFDAC thanked the leadership of the NCS  for its partnership and collaboration, noting that it is crucial for the protection of lives and health of Nigerians.

It will be recalled that the command under the watch of Omale also recently impounded a trailer load of imported banana been transported to Niger Republic, in violation of the ban on movement of goods and people to the Franco-phone neigbouring country.