Nigeria Customs records one of largest anti-drug seizures at Apapa Port

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted narcotic drugs, expired pharmaceuticals and unregistered medicines with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦53,391,140,029.00, in one of its largest anti-smuggling operations in recent years, reaffirming its resolve to protect public health and strengthen border security.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Wednesday during the formal handover of the seized narcotics to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and expired pharmaceutical products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) at the Apapa Area Command in Lagos.

The seizures, made through intelligence gathering, non-intrusive inspection technology, cargo scanning and joint operations with the NDLEA, involved nine containers carrying illicit drugs, counterfeit medicines and expired pharmaceutical products concealed alongside imported vehicles, household goods and automobile spare parts.

According to Adeniyi, the seizures underscore the Nigeria Customs Service’s growing intelligence capability and operational readiness to dismantle transnational criminal networks attempting to exploit Nigeria’s seaports for illicit trade.

Among the intercepted items were 6.77 metric tonnes of Cannabis Sativa (Canadian Loud) concealed in two 40-foot containers alongside imported vehicles and spare parts. Customs officers also uncovered 339,800 bottles of Codeine Syrup hidden inside containers declared as insulated casserole dishes.

The Service further seized several containers loaded with expired pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol, Oxytocin injections, Carbamazepine tablets, Cloxacillin capsules, Vitamin B12 injections, eye drops and B-Complex injections, all intercepted before entering the Nigerian market.

In another major discovery, Customs officers intercepted a container carrying 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules bearing a fake NAFDAC registration number and forged supporting documents. Adeniyi said detailed verification confirmed that the product was never registered by NAFDAC, indicating a deliberate attempt to introduce unregistered medicines into the country.

He explained that while the narcotic drugs and expired pharmaceuticals would be transferred to the NDLEA and NAFDAC respectively for investigation, prosecution and safe disposal, the vehicles and other imported items used to conceal the contraband would remain in the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service for seizure, forfeiture and other enforcement actions in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

Adeniyi said the seizures represent more than their monetary value.

“These seizures represent lives protected, families preserved, communities secured and countless young Nigerians shielded from the devastating consequences of drug abuse and unsafe medicines,” he said.

The Comptroller-General noted that the operation came barely a week after he chaired the 147th and 148th Sessions of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council in Brussels, where Customs administrations from 187 member countries deliberated on the theme, “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment.”

He said discussions at the global meeting, including engagements with the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and INTERPOL, reinforced the importance of intelligence sharing and international cooperation in combating illicit trade and organised crime.

Describing the importation of narcotics, expired medicines and counterfeit pharmaceuticals as a direct threat to public health and national security, Adeniyi warned criminal syndicates that Nigeria’s ports would no longer serve as safe routes for smuggling operations.

“Let today’s operation send a clear and unmistakable message that Nigeria’s ports are no longer safe havens for smugglers or organised criminal networks. Through technology, intelligence-led enforcement, coordinated border management and the professionalism of our officers, we are steadily closing the gaps previously exploited by criminal syndicates,” he said.

He commended officers of the Apapa Area Command for their professionalism and vigilance, while also applauding the sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA, NAFDAC and other security agencies in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.

The Customs boss reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with domestic and international stakeholders, promising that every intelligence lead would be pursued and every offender brought to justice.

“We will continue to intercept, expose and prosecute all those who threaten our economy, endanger public health or undermine the security of our nation. Our commitment to protecting legitimate trade while securing Nigeria’s borders remains unwavering,” Adeniyi added.