The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized sacks of fake pharmaceutical drugs worth N1.8 billion.

The agency on its official X handle on Friday stated that the Customs Area Controller Comptroller, Ben Oramalugo, disclosed this at a press briefing at the command’s headquarters on Thursday.

Mr Oramalugo noted in the statement that the service successfully intercepted and seized contraband goods, including items posing threats to economic stability and lives of citizens in the country.

He said, “Highlights of the seizures include 53 sacks of fake pharmaceutical drugs with a Duty Paid Value of ₦1,739,000,000.00, 1,309 pieces of used tyres with a DPV of ₦70,140,000.00.

“Others are; 345× 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice, 344 × 25 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 4 wraps (4 kilogram) of Indian hemp, 45 sacks, 8 sacks (9 bales) of used clothing and shoes, 34 cartons of foreign wine, and 40 bottles (5 litres), 21 bottles (1 litres) of foreign vegetable oil, all with a total DPV of N1,890,022,931.00.

“Despite the prevailing economic challenges, the command demonstrated resilience and efficiency in revenue generation by collecting the sum of N5,664,295,751.15 in February 2024. When added to the sum of N6,824,954,338.96, already collected for January 2024, the cumulative sum of N12,489,250,090.11 was collected so far for the fiscal year of 2024.”

Saying that borders within the commands area of responsibility were still closed due to the Federal Government’s policy on border closure, Mr Oramalugo noted that the “command’s officers remain vigilant and dedicated to preventing the smuggling of items that could compromise the health and well-being of our citizens.”

He commended the efforts of “traditional rulers, local government chairmen and key stakeholders in both Oyo and Osun states, who have continued to enlighten their people about the negative effect of smuggling on the economy.”

He commended the service’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the nation’s overall well-being, adding that, “We are confident that, through collective efforts, we can overcome the challenges we face and contribute to a more secure and prosperous future for Nigeria.”