The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted two containers loaded with codeine containing syrup valued at ₦3.398 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos, in a major anti-smuggling operation conducted in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The interception, which took place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, comes barely five days after the command intercepted 13 containers loaded with prohibited, expired and falsely declared goods with a total duty paid value of ₦6,381,237,988.00 during which the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, visited the port and warned smugglers that Apapa Port would no longer serve as a safe haven for criminal networks hiding behind legitimate trade documentation.
According to the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, the seized containers were found to contain a total of 3,398 cartons, equivalent to 339,800 bottles, of codeine syrup carefully concealed among household utensils in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
Oshoba explained that one of the containers, identified as MRKU 3816476, contained 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of the codeine syrup concealed alongside 38 cartons of pearl-plating insulated casserole and bullet insulated hotspots. The second container, TGBU 5399178, was discovered to contain 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) of the substance hidden within 36 cartons of pearl-plating casserole.
He said the seized items have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦3,398,000,000 and have been officially converted to seizure in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The Customs Area Controller noted that the interception demonstrates the command’s commitment to enforcing the directives and vision of the CGC, emphasising that officers remain fully aligned with the service’s intelligence driven enforcement strategy. The development comes as the command intensifies efforts to clamp down on smugglers and drug traffickers operating through the nation’s busiest seaport.
Oshoba also commended the NDLEA for its seamless collaboration and support, noting that the partnership between the agencies remains crucial in combating the trafficking of controlled substances through Nigeria’s ports.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding public health, strengthening national security, and facilitating legitimate trade through enhanced surveillance and technology driven operations at the country’s busiest seaport in Lagos.
One Comment