Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted and seized two containers of 3,398 cartons of Codeine Syrup worth N3.39 billion concealed in household utensils at the Apapa Port.

This is coming barely five days after the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, displayed 13 containers of hard drugs intercepted at the port and declared the facility a no-go area for smugglers.

A statement yesterday by Customs Public Relations Officer, Apapa Area Command, Isah Sulaiman, said the seizures are Container No. MRKU 3816476 found to contain 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of CSP Codeine, concealed with 38 cartons of pearl-plated insulated casseroles and 5′ bullet insulated hotspots.

Also, is container No. TGBU 5399178, found to contain 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) of CSP Codeine, concealed with 36 cartons of pearl-plated casseroles.

According to the command, both containers have been seized in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 (as amended).

Speaking on the latest interception, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, noted that the seizure serves as a clear demonstration of the command’s unwavering commitment to the directives and vision of the CGC.

He commended officers of the NDLEA for their seamless collaboration and unwavering support in the successful operation.

Oshoba maintained that the Apapa Area Command remains steadfast in its resolve to protect public health, safeguard national security and facilitate only legitimate trade, in line with the CGC’s renewed emphasis on technology-driven operations and zero tolerance for smuggling.

Similarly, the Kano Command of the NDLEA has seized a large consignment of illicit drugs.

Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives recovered 75,000 capsules of Pregabalin, 556 bottles of Codeine, and quantities of loose Cannabis Sativa in the Badawa area of the ancient city.

In a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, the agency said the operation disrupted what could have been a significant supply of illicit substances to drug markets across the state.

It noted that the prime suspect is currently at large but remains under close surveillance, with efforts ongoing to secure his arrest and bring him to justice.

The command also commended members of the public for their continued cooperation, urging residents to keep providing credible and actionable intelligence to support the fight against drug trafficking.