The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command has intercepted two containers loaded with codeine syrup valued at N3.398 billion at the Apapa Port, reinforcing its intensified crackdown on illicit drug trafficking through the nation’s busiest seaport.
The seizure came barely five days after the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, visited the port and declared that the facility would no longer serve as a safe haven for smugglers and criminal syndicates hiding under legitimate trade documentation.
According to the Customs Area Controller of the command, Emmanuel Oshoba, the containers were intercepted on March 15 during a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
A total of 3,398 cartons, containing 339,800 bottles of codeine syrup, were discovered concealed inside consignments of household utensils. One container (MRKU 3816476) held 1,700 cartons hidden among insulated casserole items, while the second container (TGBU 5399178) contained 1,698 cartons similarly concealed with pearl-plated casserole wares.
Oshoba said the containers have been formally seized in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
He noted that the interception underscores the command’s commitment to the enforcement directives and intelligence-driven operations championed by the Comptroller-General.
“This fresh seizure, coming just days after the CGC’s visit and strong warning to criminal elements, is a direct response to his charge. We will continue to make Apapa Port extremely hostile to smugglers and drug traffickers,” Oshoba said.
The Customs chief also commended the NDLEA for its effective collaboration in the operation, reaffirming the command’s determination to safeguard public health, protect national security and facilitate only legitimate trade through the port.
