By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted nine containers loaded with illicit narcotic drugs, expired pharmaceuticals and unregistered medicines with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦53.39 billion at the Apapa Area Command, marking one of the agency’s biggest anti-smuggling operations in recent times.
Speaking during the formal handover of the seized items on Wednesday at the Apapa Port, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the seizures underscored the Service’s commitment to protecting public health, strengthening national security and preventing criminal networks from exploiting Nigeria’s ports.
Adeniyi said the interceptions followed intelligence gathering, scanning analysis, physical examination and close collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
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According to him, the seizures included two 40-foot containers carrying Cannabis Sativa (Canadian Loud) weighing about 6.77 metric tonnes, concealed alongside imported vehicles, automobile spare parts and household items. Customs also intercepted two containers loaded with over 339,800 bottles of Codeine Syrup, hidden inside cartons of insulated casserole dishes.
The Customs boss further disclosed that officers seized three containers of expired pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol, Oxytocin injections, Carbamazepine tablets, Cloxicillin capsules, Vitamin B12 injections and B-Complex injections, which were intercepted for regulatory action.
Also intercepted were a container of Piccan Teething Powder and another container conveying 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules bearing a fake NAFDAC registration number and falsified supporting documents.
Adeniyi explained that although the pharmaceutical consignment initially appeared genuine, Customs’ verification revealed that the products were not registered with NAFDAC, prompting their seizure for further investigation.
He noted that the total value of the nine seizures stood at ₦53,391,140,029, stressing that their significance extended beyond monetary worth.
“These seizures represent far more than monetary value.
They represent lives protected, families preserved, communities secured and countless young Nigerians shielded from the devastating consequences of drug abuse and unsafe medicines,” he said.
The Comptroller-General announced that the narcotic drugs would be handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution, while the expired pharmaceutical products would be transferred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for regulatory action and safe disposal. Other goods found concealed with the prohibited items would remain in Customs’ custody pending forfeiture and other enforcement actions.
He commended officers of the Apapa Area Command and partner agencies, including the NDLEA and NAFDAC, for their professionalism and collaboration, pledging that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue deploying intelligence and technology to detect and dismantle criminal networks operating through the nation’s ports.
Adeniyi warned smugglers that Nigeria’s seaports were no longer safe havens for trafficking illicit drugs, expired medicines and other prohibited goods, assuring that every intelligence lead would be pursued and offenders brought to justice.
