The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted illicit Codeine-containing syrup valued at over N3.398 billion at the Lagos Port, marking another significant breakthrough in the fight against smuggling. The seizure comes just five days after the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, visited the port and warned that it would no longer serve as a playground for criminal syndicates.
In a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Command seized two containers holding a total of 3,398 cartons—equivalent to 339,800 bottles—of CSP Codeine syrup. The drugs were concealed among household utensils, including pearl-plated insulated casseroles, in a sophisticated attempt to evade detection.
Container MRKU 3816476 contained 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of the syrup, while container TGBU 5399178 held 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles). Both containers have been officially converted to seizure under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, as amended, following the discovery.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa, described the seizure as a demonstration of the Command’s commitment to the CGC’s directives. He emphasized that the operation reflects a proactive, intelligence-led enforcement strategy aimed at making Apapa Port hostile to smugglers and drug traffickers.
Oshoba commended the NDLEA for its collaboration and reiterated that the Apapa Area Command remains focused on protecting public health, safeguarding national security, and facilitating legitimate trade. The Command is leveraging technology-driven operations and maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on smuggling activities in line with the CGC’s renewed vision.
