The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted two containers containing a total of 3,398 cartons (339,800 bottles) of codeine-containing syrup concealed in household utensils at the port, valued at ₦3,398,000,000.
The interception comes barely five days after the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, visited Apapa Port and declared that it is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade documentation.
According to the Command‘s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, the seizure was recorded in a swift joint follow-up operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
“Cumulatively, the seizure has a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Three Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety Eight Million, Naira (₦3,398,000,000.00) only,” CS Sulaiman said.
He highlighted the details of the seizure — Container No. MRKU 3816476 was found to contain 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of CSP codeine, concealed with 38 cartons of pearl-plated insulated casserole/5′ bullet insulated hotspot, while Container No. TGBU 5399178 contained 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) of CSP codeine, concealed with 36 cartons of pearl-plated casserole.
“Both containers have been converted to seizure in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, as amended,” the spokesperson affirmed.
Commenting on the latest interception, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, stated that the seizure serves as a clear demonstration of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the directives and vision of CGC Adeniyi.
“This fresh seizure, coming just five days after the CGC’s visit and strong warning to criminal elements, is a direct response to his charge on us. We are fully aligned with the Service’s intelligence-led enforcement strategy and will continue to make Apapa Port extremely hostile to smugglers and drug traffickers,” Comptroller Oshoba assured.
He commended NDLEA for its seamless collaboration and unwavering support in the successful operation.
The CAC reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting public health, safeguarding national security, and facilitating only legitimate trade, in line with the CGC’s renewed emphasis on technology-driven operations and zero tolerance for smuggling activities.
