The Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne in Rivers State, has seized 20 containers loaded with illicit drugs and other contraband products, including codeine syrup, all worth over N13.5 billion.

Speaking on the developments in Onne on Wednesday, the outgoing Customs Area Controller, Mohammed Babandede, said the illicit drugs were imported from India, with the Nigerian market as their target.

He explained that 17 of the containers were loaded with codeine syrup and tramadol, while the remaining three were loaded with contraband products such as machetes, cartons of tomato paste, and gallons of vegetable oil.

He described his stay in Rivers State as incredible, disclosing that in 2024, he had a revenue target of N618bn but generated N639bn, and in 2025, he had a target of N700bn and had already generated N477bn as of last month. In all, Babandede said, through hard work, the command under him generated N1.16 trillion, adding that he also promoted trade and services.

Speaking further, he announced a significant breakthrough in the command’s efforts to combat illicit trade in medicine.

He said: “Some people take illicit medicines for different reasons without a professional medical prescription. For example, codeine syrup and tramadol might be misused for their euphoric effect or to feel relaxed, which often leads to addiction, dependence, and crime.

“The command successfully intercepted a total of 20 containers, with a combined Duty Paid Value of over N13.5bn.”

“While being calculative at evading regulatory scrutiny, the drugs were carefully smuggled using the tactics of concealing them under the guise of regular imports,” he said.

Babandede, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Controller-General of Customs, said Nigeria has long struggled with the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard medications, which pose a significant risk to public health, including potentially fatal outcomes.

“To protect public health and combat drug trafficking, the Nigerian government has banned the importation of certain medications, including counterfeit drugs and substances like codeine and tramadol. Those measures aim to ensure safe medicines, tackle fake drug issues, and reduce drug addiction, which poses serious health and security challenges.”

Babandede, who has already been deployed to Zone A of the Nigerian Customs Service as the Zonal Controller, had earlier handed over to his successor and new Customs Area Controller for Area 2, Onne Port, Aliyu Alkali.