Oyo/Osun Customs intercepts fake pharmaceuticals worth N596m

The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted fake pharmaceutical drugs worth N596.8million.

The fake pharmaceuticals include
Analgin Injection (46 Cartons),
Amoxicillin Capsule 500mg (68 Sacks),
Buscomac Tablet 10mg (3 Cartons),
Juscopan tablets (6 Sacks) and
Chloramphenicol Tablet Bp 250mg (5 Sacks).

Others are Ampiclox Capsules 500mg (11 Sacks), Arthromether Tablets (10 Sacks), Fulcin Tablets 500mg (2 Sack) and Pentazocine Injection 30mg (13 packets.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday in Ibadan, where the drugs were handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC),Controller of the Command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo said the command also generated the sum of N56.6billion from January to September 2024.

He said the amount represents a 7.85% increase when compared to the sum of N52.2 billion generated in the corresponding period of 2023.

He added that within the third quarter of 2024, the command collected N23.9bn representing a 27.5% increase over the sum of N17.3billion generated in the corresponding period of 2023.

He attributed the feat to the command’s commitment to efficient revenue collection through improved compliance, enforcement, and monitoring.

His words, “The significant success recorded in revenue collection is a remarkable achievement despite the current financial strains affecting businesses and citizens alike and could be attributed to the following:
Streamlined Procedures: The Command’s enhanced use of technology, especially the NICIS II has allowed us to streamline our processes and increase transparency. This has also led to improved compliance from the Commands stakeholders.

“Revenue from Excise Duty: The bulk of this revenue came from legitimate production activities by excise factories within the Commands Area of Responsibility and Command officers have ensured thorough documentation checks to avoid any revenue leakages.
I would like to state that the revenue generated reflects the resilience and dedication of Command officers in ensuring strict compliance with customs laws and regulations while facilitating legitimate trade. We recognize the pivotal role we play in the nation’s economic recovery and we are committed to continuing this upward trajectory in revenue generation.”

Within the review period, Dr. Oramalugo said the command also intercepted other contraband including foreign parboiled rice, second hand clothing, used tyres and cannabis sativasativa with a Duty Paid Value of N755.8million.

“Our intensified border patrols along the Oyo and Osun axis has significantly disrupted smuggling operations, with 31 successful interceptions of goods being smuggled through illegal routes.

“The success of our anti-smuggling operations is largely due to the increased use of intelligence gathering and collaboration with local communities. We have strengthened our network of informants, which has been instrumental in identifying and neutralizing smuggling operations within the region.

“We have also deepened our collaboration with local communities and other security agencies, leading to more effective operations. We have initiated several community sensitization programs through respective Patrol/Outstation Heads to educate members of the public about the dangers of smuggling and the benefits of supporting legal trade. This approach has not only reduced smuggling incidents but has also fostered greater cooperation between residents and the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.

“Our duty is to ensure that the country’s borders are secure from illegal trade and that all revenue due to the government is collected efficiently.
In a bid to sustain and improve on these successes, the Command remains committed to improving our performance in all areas, including the facilitation of legitimate trade, which contributes directly to economic growth, and sustaining the integrity of our anti-smuggling operations,” he said.

Oramalugo expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi and his management team for the continuous support extended to the command to ensure the core mandates of the Service are achieved within Oyo and Osun States.