The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted a major smuggling attempt involving four 40-foot containers of illicit drugs valued at N1.18 billion. This significant seizure was announced on Wednesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Usman Abubakar.
Abubakar detailed that the confiscated items include 236,783 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine and Barcadin Cough Syrup, packed in 2,174 cartons, discovered across two terminals within the command. “The command has thwarted an attempt to smuggle illicit drugs worth N1.18 billion in four 40-foot containers,” he stated.
Customs Area Controller Babatunde Olomu attributed the successful operation to the agency’s zero tolerance for smuggling. He explained that on October 11, 2024, during a joint examination of a container with registration number MRKU0377493, officers uncovered 34,800 bottles of prohibited CSP cough syrup, which were found to be expired. These were packed in 174 cartons, with each carton containing 200 bottles.
On the same day, another inspection revealed 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup in a separate container (registration number TGBU8886020), packed in 100 bottles per carton. Further investigations on Tuesday led to the discovery of 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup, also containing codeine, hidden in a container registered as TCKU6800526. This container was declared to hold essential goods.
Additionally, at Kachicares Resources Terminal, a container with registration number SUDU8579006, declared to contain kitchenware, was found to conceal Barcadin cough syrup in 100ml bottles.
Olomu emphasized the command’s commitment to facilitating trade while upholding stringent anti-smuggling measures. “While we strive for seamless trade facilitation, we will not compromise on revenue collection or our anti-smuggling mandates,” he stated. He warned smugglers to avoid Apapa Port, as officers are equipped with intelligence and technology to uncover illicit activities.
He also highlighted the dangers of codeine abuse, which can lead to nausea, drowsiness, impaired judgment, and increased criminal behavior. The CAC has ordered further investigations to identify and apprehend those involved in this smuggling attempt.
The Nigerian Government banned the importation of codeine cough syrup in 2018 due to its widespread abuse and the detrimental impact on youth addiction, which has been linked to increased criminal activities and societal issues.
