NDLEA seizes 40,250 kg of Codeine worth N2b at Lagos port

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 40,250 kilogrammes of schedule two controlled narcotic worth over N2 billion imported in two 40ft containers from India.

The drug bust comes on the heels of a similar seizure of 14,080kg codeine syrup and 4,352.43kg cold caps used to conceal the former in a 40ft container imported from India, on February 2, 2022 at the Apapa port.

The seizures were made possible through intelligence from foreign partners and cooperation of other port stakeholders such as Customs, DSS, Navy and others.

The latest consignments intercepted were brought into the country in containers marked HLBU 2239792 with 1,125 cartons of the drug and HLBU 1067338 with 1,751 cartons.

The consignments were seized at the Port Express Bonded Terminal, Berger-Apapa after they were discovered concealed behind cartons of hypergra 200mg and deluxe chilly cutters, after which the agency’s sniffer dogs were brought in to identify the illegal substance.

Reacting, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Mohammed Buba Marwa said the agency remains poised to curtail activities of drug cartels this year by ensuring that no gramme of illicit drug is allowed to come into or pass through the country.