FIC Report (Lagos State) – Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Apapa Area Command have made a major seizure in Lagos, intercepting large quantities of codeine syrup hidden inside imported goods.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), led to the discovery of two containers packed with a total of 3,398 cartons of codeine-based syrup. The illicit drugs were cleverly concealed among household items such as insulated casseroles and kitchen utensils.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, the seized items have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦3.398 billion.
He explained that one of the containers (No. MRKU 3816476) contained 1,700 cartons—equivalent to 170,000 bottles—hidden alongside 38 cartons of kitchenware. The second container (No. TGBU 5399178) carried 1,698 cartons, amounting to 169,800 bottles, also disguised with household items.
Sulaiman noted that both containers have now been officially seized in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
Reacting to the development, the Customs Area Controller for Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, described the interception as a strong signal of the agency’s commitment to tackling illegal drug imports.
He said the operation came just days after a directive from the Comptroller General of Customs, warning smugglers and reinforcing a tougher enforcement approach.
“This seizure is a direct response to that directive,” Oshoba said. “We are fully committed to intelligence-led operations and will continue to make Apapa Port a difficult environment for smugglers and drug traffickers.”
He also praised the NDLEA for its continued partnership, noting that the joint effort was key to the success of the operation.
Oshoba reaffirmed that the Command remains focused on protecting public health, ensuring national security, and promoting legitimate trade, while maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on smuggling.
Reporting
Meghoma J.I
AD (I” & PR)
March 23, 2026
