Customs Seizes ₦43.6bn Worth of Cannabis, Codeine, Drones, Expired Goods at Apapa Port

Victoria Silvanus

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 13 containers loaded with cannabis, codeine syrup, security-sensitive drones, expired pharmaceuticals and other prohibited items at the Apapa Port, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦43.59 billion.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Apapa Area Command on Friday, describing the seizures as a major breakthrough in the Service's ongoing efforts to combat smuggling, protect public health and safeguard national security.

Adeniyi said the seizures were the outcome of sustained intelligence-led operations and strengthened collaboration between Customs, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), NAFDAC, the Office of the National Security Adviser and international security partners.

According to him, the intercepted consignments fall into three major categories: narcotics and controlled pharmaceuticals, security-sensitive equipment, and expired products intended for human use.

Among the seizures were three containers carrying 15,245 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 7,624 kilograms. The drugs were concealed among automobile spare parts, rice, fish, batteries and other goods.

Customs officers also uncovered a 40-foot container containing 169,998 bottles of codeine syrup hidden beneath household items.

The Service further extracted 108 units of high-definition dual-camera drones from an intercepted container. Adeniyi warned that such equipment, when imported without the required approvals and end-user certificates, could pose a threat to national security.

"Restricted and security-sensitive equipment requires the appropriate security approvals, end-user certificates and documentation before clearance. Consignments of that character that arrive without them will be detained," he said.

Also seized were 1,282 bales of used clothing contained in three separate containers, as well as five containers loaded with expired products, including tomato ketchup, antiseptic liquid, vaginal tablets and disposable nappies.

Adeniyi expressed concern over the health risks posed by the expired items, noting that unsuspecting consumers, particularly women and children, could be exposed to serious harm if such products find their way into the market.

He also highlighted the dangers of codeine abuse, describing it as a long-standing national concern linked to addiction, violent behaviour, family breakdown and the loss of productive lives.

"The Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 charges this Service with more than the collection of revenue. It places on us the security of the supply chain, the protection of the border and the safety of what enters this country," the Customs boss stated.

He attributed the successful interceptions to improved cargo profiling, enhanced risk assessment systems, deployment of the B'Odogwu platform and intelligence-sharing through the recently established INTERPOL Data Centre at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.

Adeniyi commended officers of the Apapa Area Command for their professionalism and vigilance, assuring Nigerians that the Service would continue to prevent the importation of narcotics, controlled drugs, security-

threatening equipment and harmful products.

The seized items are expected to be handed over to the appropriate government agencies for further investigation and necessary action in line with existing laws