Customs–NDLEA operation intercepts ₦3.398bn codeine consignment at Apapa Port
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted two containers laden with codeine-based syrup valued at ₦3.398 billion at Apapa Port.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on March 15, 2026, uncovered 3,398 cartons—equivalent to 339,800 bottles—of the controlled substance concealed within household items.
The seizure comes just days after the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, warned that the port would no longer be a safe channel for smugglers exploiting legitimate trade processes.
Providing details, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, disclosed that one of the containers (MRKU 3816476) held 1,700 cartons of codeine syrup hidden among pearl-plated insulated casseroles and hotspots. The second container (TGBU 5399178) contained 1,698 cartons concealed within similar household goods.
Oshoba stated that the seized items, with a Duty Paid Value of ₦3.398 billion, have been officially confiscated in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
He described the interception as a clear demonstration of the command’s commitment to the Service’s intelligence-driven enforcement strategy and the directives of the Comptroller-General.
“This seizure is a direct response to the CGC’s recent warning. We will continue to make Apapa Port hostile to smugglers and illicit drug traffickers,” he said.
He also commended the NDLEA for its collaboration, noting that inter-agency cooperation remains critical to successful enforcement.
The Apapa Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health, enhancing national security, and ensuring the smooth facilitation of legitimate trade through strict regulatory compliance and technology-driven operations.
