By Peter Omopo
Kano, July 23, 2025 — The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Wednesday destroyed a large consignment of smuggled Tramadol tablets valued at N91 million in Kano State.
The illicit drugs, which were intercepted by Customs operatives, were abandoned by smugglers who fled after being confronted by enforcement officers.
Speaking during the destruction exercise held at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said the agency’s action was in line with international best practices for the disposal of pharmaceutical contraband.
“The NCS intercepted this consignment when unscrupulous elements attempted to smuggle it into Nigeria. The culprits abandoned the consignment when overwhelmed by NCS operatives,” Adeyeye said.
To ensure transparency, members of the media were invited to witness the destruction process, which was carried out using an industrial incinerator at the hospital premises.
According to the NCS, the seized consignment would have attracted a duty value of N91 million if successfully cleared into the country.
Adeyeye lauded the joint operation as a model of effective inter-agency cooperation. “This operation demonstrates excellent inter-agency collaboration and strategic partnership aimed at strengthening control measures and curbing the menace of illicit drug trade,” she noted.
She reaffirmed NAFDAC’s dedication to protecting public health and urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to drug smuggling or distribution to the nearest NAFDAC office.
The destruction exercise was witnessed by the NAFDAC Kano Zonal Coordinator, Kasim Ibrahim, and a representative of the Chief Medical Director of AKTH.
