The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted two containers laden with 3,398 cartons of codeine‑containing syrup concealed in household utensils at the Apapa Port, Lagos.
- Seizure Details:
- Container No. MRKU 3816476 contained 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of CSP Codeine hidden among insulated casserole sets.
- Container No. TGBU 5399178 contained 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) similarly concealed.
- Duty Paid Value (DPV): ₦3,398,000,000.
- Official Response:
- Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, described the seizure as a demonstration of the Command’s commitment to intelligence‑led enforcement and zero tolerance for smuggling.
- He commended the NDLEA for its seamless collaboration in the operation.
- The containers have been converted to seizure under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
- Broader Context:
- The interception comes just days after the Comptroller‑General of Customs visited Apapa and warned criminal elements against smuggling.
- Oshoba emphasized that the Command remains steadfast in protecting public health, safeguarding national security, and facilitating only legitimate trade.
