Customs uncovers N1.2b codeine in four containers at Lagos Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted four 40-foot containers loaded with 2,174 cartons of codeine and Barcadin cough syrup, valued at N1.2 billion, at APM Terminals and Kachicares Bonded Terminal in Apapa Port, Lagos.

According to the NCS Apapa Command, the haul includes 236,783 bottles of codeine and Barcadin cough syrup packed in 2,174 cartons. The seizures were made from two terminals under the command’s jurisdiction.

Speaking to journalists, Customs Area Controller of the Command, Babatunde Olomu, explained that three containers were intercepted at APM Terminals, while one was seized at Kachicares Bonded Terminal. He emphasised that the seizures were a direct result of the NCS’s zero-tolerance policy on smuggling.

Olomu disclosed that on October 11, 2024, during a joint examination of a 40-foot container numbered MRKU0377493, officers uncovered prohibited CSP cough syrup in 34,800 bottles. The syrup, packed in 174 cartons, had expired. He added that on the same day, another 40-foot container, numbered TGBU8886020, was found to contain 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup, packed in 100 bottles per carton.

Further inspection on October 15, 2024, revealed another 40-foot container, numbered TCKU6800526, which had been declared as carrying essential goods but was found to contain 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup for throat and chest ailments. Each bottle contained codeine and was packed in 200 bottles per carton.

On the same day, at Kachicares Resources Terminal, a 40-foot container, numbered SUDU8579006, which had been declared as holding kitchenware, was discovered to have concealed 1,584 cartons of Barcadin cough syrup, along with 83 loose bottles.

Olomu assured the public that further investigations are underway to identify and arrest those involved in the smuggling activities. He also highlighted the dangers of codeine abuse, noting that it can lead to nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, impaired thinking, and even criminal behaviour.

The Area Controller reminded the public that the Federal Government banned the importation of codeine cough syrup in 2018 due to its widespread abuse, particularly among young people, which had led to a rise in deviant behaviour and criminality.

Reiterating the NCS’s commitment to seamless trade facilitation, Olomu warned smugglers to steer clear of Apapa Port, as the command remains vigilant, using intelligence, technology, and on-the-job experience to thwart smuggling attempts.