The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Command, has seized 53 sacks of fake pharmaceutical drugs worth N1.7 billion in Duty Paid Value.Area Controller, Ben Oramalugo, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen yesterday, said the command seized seven sacks of Augmentin tablets (625mg), 22 sacks of Ampiclox and 24 sacks of Amoxicillin capsules (500mg) at the Bakatari area of Apata, Ibadan-Abeokuta road, in Oyo State.
He said the truck carrying the drugs was heading towards the northern part of Nigeria. Other confiscated items included 345 (50kg) of foreign parboiled rice, 344 (25-litre) PMS kegs, four wraps of Indian Hemp, 45 sacks of used clothings and shoes, 1,309 pieces of used tyres, 34 cartons, five bottles of foreign wine and 40 bottles (five-litre) and 21 bottles (one-litre) of foreign vegetable oil.
The area controller said in the face of emerging economic challenges and increased attempts to compromise the integrity of the borders, the command prioritises the fight against smuggling in all its operations, and would ensure the Federal Government policy on border closure is totally enforced.
Oramalugo said: “The importation of prohibited items is harmful to the citizens of our country.” He said the command is committed to facilitating trade in essential commodities and supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance food security.
Oramalugo added that all borders within the command’s Area of responsibility are still closed due to the federal government policy on border closure and as such the Command officers remain vigilant and dedicated to preventing the smuggling of items that could compromise the health and well-being of the citizens.
