The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Port Command, has intercepted a large consignment of illicit drugs valued at N1.1 billion. The smuggled drugs, hidden in four 40-foot containers, included 236,783 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine and Barcadin cough syrup, all packaged in 2,174 cartons. The containers were seized from two different terminals under the command—three from APM Terminals and one from Kachicares Bonded Terminal.
Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, disclosed that the seizures were a direct result of the service’s zero tolerance for smuggling. “On October 11, 2024, during a joint examination, our officers discovered 34,800 bottles of prohibited CSP cough syrup inside a 40-foot container. The shipment, which had expired, was hidden in 174 cartons, each containing 200 bottles,” Olomu said.
Further inspections revealed more concealed shipments. Another container was found to contain 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup. Two additional containers, said to contain essential goods and kitchen wares, were discovered to have 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup and 1,584 cartons of Barcadin cough syrup, respectively. A total of 83 loose bottles were also found.
Olomu reiterated the command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while strictly enforcing anti-smuggling mandates. He issued a stern warning to smugglers, stating that the Apapa Command will continue to rely on intelligence, technology, and officer expertise to thwart all illegal importation attempts.
Codeine abuse has long been associated with severe health risks, including nausea, drowsiness, and erratic behavior. The federal government banned the importation of codeine cough syrup in 2018 due to widespread abuse, particularly among young people. The controller emphasized that such substances contribute to criminal activities and societal degradation.
Comptroller Olomu confirmed that further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the smuggling attempt.
The seizure underscores the ongoing efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service to safeguard the country from the harmful effects of drug abuse and illicit trade.