LAGOS, Nigeria — In a major victory against drug smuggling, the Apapa Port Customs Command has seized illicit drugs valued at N1.1 billion, concealed in four 40-foot containers.
The discovery, made through a series of inspections, includes 236,783 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine and Barcadin cough syrup, both banned substances in Nigeria.
The Customs Area Comptroller, Babatunde Olomu, detailed the operation in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Usman Abubakar, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
He described the seizures as part of the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing efforts to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into the country.
Multiple Seizures Across Key Terminals
The illicit drugs were discovered during joint examinations at two terminals.
Three of the containers were intercepted at APM Terminals, while the fourth was seized at Kachicares Bonded Terminal.
Olomu confirmed that the operation is part of a broader zero-tolerance policy on smuggling.
“On October 11, 2024, during a joint examination of a 40ft container with number MRKU0377493, our officers discovered 34,800 bottles of prohibited CSP cough syrup,” Olomu explained. The expired bottles, packed in 174 cartons with 200 bottles each, were part of a larger smuggling attempt.
Further inspections on the same day revealed another 40ft container (TGBU8886020) holding 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup, similarly packed in 100 bottles per carton.
On October 15, customs officers uncovered yet another container (TCKU6800526) falsely declared as carrying essential goods. Upon inspection, the container was found to be concealing 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup, containing codeine in 100ml bottles.
At Kachicares Resources Terminal, a 40ft container (SUDU8579006) falsely declared as holding kitchen wares was found to contain 1,584 cartons of Barcadin cough syrup. In addition, 83 loose bottles were found concealed within the container.
Strict Enforcement and Public Safety
Olomu emphasized that the Apapa Command remains committed to seamless trade facilitation and strict enforcement of anti-smuggling measures. He issued a stern warning to smugglers, noting that officers are equipped with intelligence, technology, and extensive experience to thwart illegal activities.
“The Apapa Command will continue to maintain strict enforcement of revenue collection and anti-smuggling operations,” Olomu said. “Smugglers are warned to stay away from Apapa Port. Our officers will continue to expose all smuggling attempts.”
Codeine Abuse and Public Health Concerns
Highlighting the dangers of codeine abuse, Olomu noted that the substance is linked to severe health risks, including nausea, vomiting, impaired cognitive function, and irrational behaviour, which can lead to criminal tendencies.
Codeine-based cough syrup was banned by the Nigerian government in 2018 due to widespread abuse, particularly among young people.
Olomu assured the public that investigations into the seizures are ongoing, with efforts to identify and apprehend those behind the illegal importation of the banned substances.
This seizure marks another milestone in Nigeria’s fight against drug smuggling and reinforces the Customs Service’s commitment to upholding public safety and national security.
