NAFDAC Intercepts N20.5bn Worth Of Fake Codeine, Tramadol, And Tomato Paste In Port Harcourt

In a major breakthrough in the fight against fake and substandard products, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted a staggering 15 containers loaded with falsified pharmaceutical products and unwholesome tomato paste at the Onne Port in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The seizure —which includes 1.3 million bottles of codeine syrup, 12.6 million tablets of Tramadol, 9.3 million tablets of fake Diclofenac, Hyergra (counterfeit Viagra), and four containers of unsafe tomato paste — is estimated to have a street value of N20.5 billion.

According to a press statement signed by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the consignment was officially handed over to NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, on Saturday by the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as part of collaborative efforts to rid Nigeria of dangerous imports.

Prof. Adeyeye praised the Customs Service for their commitment to public safety and warned unscrupulous importers that their days are numbered.

“This is a stern warning to merchants of death, both within and outside Nigeria: under our watch, these deadly goods will not reach our people. Despite threats to our staff, we remain undeterred because we are backed by the people and by God,” Adeyeye declared.



She emphasized the serious health risks posed by such illegal products, including acute poisoning, organ damage, nutritional deficiencies, cancer risks, and even food addiction caused by expired or toxic substances.

The DG called on Nigerians to join the war against counterfeit goods by reporting suspicious products through NAFDAC offices or social media platforms.

“We cannot do this alone. Safeguarding the health of our nation is a collective responsibility,” she added.



Adeyeye reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to partnering with relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals to protect public health, stressing that new strategies are being developed to tighten Nigeria’s borders against harmful products.