Apapa Customs Command Seizes N1.1bn Worth of Illicit Drugs in Containers
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Port Command, has intercepted an attempt to smuggle illicit drugs valued at over N1.1 billion into the country.
The seizures, made in four 40ft containers, comprised a total of 236,783 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup and other prohibited substances, according to a statement issued by Usman Abubakar, Public Relations Officer, Apapa Area Command.
The total value of the confiscated drugs was put at N1,183,915,500, according to a detailed breakdown provided by the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu.
He revealed that the seizure took place across two different terminals: APM Terminals, where three containers were intercepted, and Kachicares Bonded Terminal, where the fourth container was found.
Speaking on the operation, Comptroller Olomu stated that the first seizure occurred on 11 October 2024, when officers, during a joint inspection of container MRKU0377493, uncovered 34,800 bottles of expired CSP cough syrup, which was prohibited due to its codeine content.
The shipment had been deceptively packed in 174 cartons, with 200 bottles per carton.
On the same day, another container, TGBU8886020, was found to contain 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup, similarly concealed in 100 bottles per carton.
Both shipments were discovered during routine inspections at APM Terminals.
Further inspections at APMT Container Terminal on 15 October 2024 led to the discovery of 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup for throat and chest congestion.
This third container, NO TCKU6800526, was declared to contain essential goods but was found to be hiding the contraband in 200 bottles per carton.
At Kachicares Resources Terminal, another 40ft container, NO SUDU8579006, was also intercepted on 15 October.
It was declared to be carrying kitchen wares but was found to conceal 1,584 cartons of Barcadin cough syrup, with an additional 83 loose bottles.
The substances were found to contain codeine, a banned ingredient in Nigeria since 2018 due to its widespread abuse, particularly among youths.
Comptroller Olomu reiterated the Command’s commitment to curbing smuggling, stating, “Apapa Command is committed to seamless trade facilitation, powered by robust stakeholder engagement, but we will not compromise on our revenue collection and anti-smuggling mandates.”
He warned that smugglers should steer clear of Apapa Port, stressing that Customs officers, leveraging intelligence and technology, are always on alert to detect smuggling activities.
The abuse of codeine cough syrup has been linked to several adverse effects, including nausea, drowsiness, impaired concentration, and even criminal behaviour.
The federal government banned the importation of the substance in 2018 to combat its abuse, which had devastating effects on Nigerian youths.
Further investigations have been ordered to uncover more details about the origin of the seized contraband and to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in the smuggling operation.
