NCS Intercepts Illicit Drugs Worth N1.18 Billion at Apapa Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted four 40-foot containers loaded with illicit drugs valued at N1.18 billion.

The operation, carried out by customs officers at two terminals, blocked the smuggling of 236,783 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, a substance banned by the Federal Government.

In a statement on Wednesday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Usman Abubakar, disclosed that the seized items included Barcadin cough syrup, all packed in 2,174 cartons.

The discovery was made during routine inspections between October 11 and 15, 2024.

Apapa Customs Area Controller (CAC), Babatunde Olomu, commended the officers involved, describing the seizures as evidence of the NCS’s zero tolerance for smuggling.

“On October 11, during a joint examination, officers uncovered 34,800 bottles of expired CSP cough syrup packed in 174 cartons,” Olomu revealed.

Additional inspections led to more discoveries. One container was found to contain 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup, while another held 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup, all containing codeine.

At a different terminal, customs officers intercepted Barcadin cough syrup packed in 1,584 cartons.

Olomu emphasized the command’s dedication to facilitating legitimate trade while strictly curbing smuggling activities.

“Smugglers are advised to stay away from Apapa Port. Our officers are equipped with intelligence, technology, and experience to detect all smuggling attempts,” he warned.

The intercepted drugs are currently under investigation, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the culprits.

The Nigerian government banned the importation of codeine cough syrup in 2018 following reports of its widespread abuse, which has contributed to criminal activities and health issues, particularly among youths.