The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has thwarted a smuggling attempt, seizing four containers filled with narcotics valued at N1,183,915,500. This development was announced by the Command’s Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, through a press statement from the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abubakar Usman.
The seizure involved 236,783 bottles of cough syrups containing codeine and Barcadin, packed in a total of 2,174 cartons from two terminals under the command’s jurisdiction. Of these, three seizures were made at APM Terminals, while one was intercepted at Kachicares Bonded Terminal.
Detailing the operation, Comptroller Olomu noted, “On October 11, 2024, during a joint inspection of a 1×40 container, number MRKU0377493, our officers discovered prohibited CSP cough syrup—34,800 bottles packed into 174 cartons, each containing 200 bottles. The shipment was expired at the time of interception.”
He continued, “On the same day, another 1×40 container, number TGBU8886020, was found with 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup, packed in cartons containing 100 bottles each. Additionally, a third container (TCKU6800526) examined on October 15, 2024, at APMT Terminal, labeled as containing essential goods, revealed 19 cartons of concealed CSJ cough syrup for throat and chest with codeine, packed in 200 bottles per carton.”
Another major seizure was recorded on October 15, 2024, at Kachicares Resources Terminal. A 1×40FT container, number SUDU8579006, declared as containing kitchen wares, was found with a concealed stash of Barcadin cough syrup in 1,584 cartons, along with 83 loose bottles.
Comptroller Olomu described the seizures as part of the NCS’s zero-tolerance policy toward smuggling, emphasizing the Apapa Command’s commitment to efficient trade facilitation while maintaining strict controls on revenue collection and anti-smuggling activities. “I urge those engaged in illegal trade to avoid Apapa Port. Our vigilant officers, using intelligence, technology, and experience, are poised to detect and intercept any smuggling attempts,” he warned.
Codeine abuse has been linked to severe side effects, including drowsiness, confusion, and increased susceptibility to criminal behaviors. The Nigerian government banned the importation of codeine-containing cough syrups in 2018 after widespread misuse among youth.
Comptroller Olomu also noted that further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the individuals behind the smuggling attempts.
