By: Joy Enamuna, Lagos

The Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, has successfully intercepted illicit drugs valued at ₦1.1 billion within a span of 48 hours. The seizures involved four 40-foot containers of banned substances.

According to a press release issued by the Apapa Customs Command’s Public Relations Officer, the illicit drugs were concealed in four separate containers with a combined value of ₦1,183,915,500 (one billion, one hundred and eighty-three million, nine hundred and fifteen thousand, five hundred naira). The operation uncovered 236,783 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup and Barkadin syrup, stored in 2,174 cartons across two terminals under the command’s jurisdiction. Three containers were seized at APM Terminals, while the fourth was found at Kachicares Bonded Terminal.

On October 11, 2024, during a joint examination of a 40-foot container (MRKU0377493), Customs officials discovered 34,800 bottles of CSP cough syrup, which had also expired. The syrup was packed in 174 cartons, with 200 bottles per carton. The same day, another examination of a container (TGBU8886020) revealed 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup, also packed in 100-bottle cartons.

In a related discovery, a 40-foot container (TCKU6800526), initially declared as containing essential goods, was examined at APMT Container Terminal on October 15, 2024. Upon inspection, authorities found 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup, each containing 200 bottles of the codeine-laced product.

At Kachicares Resources Terminal on the same day, another 40-foot container (SUDU8579006), misdeclared as carrying kitchen wares, was inspected and found to contain 1,584 cartons of Barcadin cough syrup, in addition to 83 loose bottles.

The Customs Area Controller emphasized that while Apapa Command remains committed to facilitating seamless trade through robust stakeholder engagement, it will not compromise on its anti-smuggling or revenue collection duties. He also issued a stern warning to criminals involved in illegal trade activities. “Our officers, using intelligence, technology, and on-the-job experience, are determined to uncover all smuggling attempts,” the CAC said.

Codeine abuse, which can cause nausea, drowsiness, impaired concentration, and irrational behavior, has long been a concern. In 2018, the federal government imposed a ban on the importation of codeine-based cough syrups due to their association with criminal activities and societal harm.

The investigation into the seizures is ongoing, with authorities aiming to identify and apprehend the individuals involved in the illicit trade.