The intercepted container
Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, have uncovered a major consignment of illicit pharmaceutical products at the Apapa Port in Lagos, intercepting two containers loaded with thousands of bottles of codeine syrup.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) led to the seizure of 3,398 cartons of codeine-based syrup, cleverly hidden among household items.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, the confiscated items have a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦3,398,000,000.
*How the containers were concealed*
Providing a breakdown, Sulaiman disclosed that one of the containers, marked MRKU 3816476, contained 1,700 cartons—equivalent to 170,000 bottles—of codeine syrup. The substance was concealed alongside cartons of insulated casserole dishes.
The second container, with number TGBU 5399178, held 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) of the same substance, also hidden within similar household goods.
Authorities said the concealment method was a deliberate attempt to evade detection during inspection.
Sulaiman confirmed that both containers have now been officially forfeited to the federal government in line with existing regulations.
“Both containers have been converted to seizure in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, as amended,” he stated.
Reacting to the interception, the Customs Area Controller of the command, Emmanuel Oshoba, described the operation as a strong signal of the agency’s resolve to clamp down on illegal drug trafficking.
“This fresh seizure, coming just five days after the CGC’s visit and strong warning to criminal elements, is a direct response to his charge on us. We are fully aligned with the Service’s intelligence-led enforcement strategy and will continue to make Apapa Port extremely hostile to smugglers and drug traffickers,” he stated.
Oshoba also praised the NDLEA for its role in the operation.
He said, “We commend the NDLEA for its seamless collaboration and unwavering support in the successful interception of the 339,800 bottles.”
The Comptroller reaffirmed the command’s determination to protect public health and national security by preventing the influx of harmful substances into the country.
He noted that the Apapa Command remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade while enforcing strict compliance with anti-smuggling laws, in line with the service’s zero-tolerance stance on illicit activities.
