Apapa Customs intercepts containers of illicit drugs worth N1.1bn

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted four 40-foot containers filled with illicit drugs valued at N1.18 billion.

The operation, conducted by customs officers at two terminals, prevented the smuggling of 236,783 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine, a substance banned by the Federal Government.

In a statement on Wednesday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Usman Abubakar, disclosed that the seizures included Barcadin cough syrup, all packed in 2,174 cartons. The smuggled drugs were uncovered during routine inspections between October 11 and 15, 2024.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa, Babatunde Olomu, hailed the seizures as a testament to the service’s zero tolerance for smuggling.

“On October 11, during a joint examination of a container, our officers discovered 34,800 bottles of expired CSP cough syrup, packed in 174 cartons,” Olomu revealed.

Further inspections revealed additional containers packed with cough syrups. One 40-foot container held 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup, while another was found to contain 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup, all containing codeine.

At a different terminal, customs officers intercepted Barcadin cough syrup, packed in 1,584 cartons.

Olomu stressed the command’s commitment to trade facilitation while maintaining strict anti-smuggling measures.

“Smugglers should steer clear of Apapa Port, as our officers are equipped with intelligence, technology, and experience to uncover all smuggling attempts,” he warned.

The seized drugs are under further investigation, and the customs service aims to apprehend those behind the smuggling attempt.

The importation of codeine cough syrup was banned by the government in 2018 due to its widespread abuse, which has contributed to criminal behaviors and health issues among Nigerian youth.