The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 13 containers containing narcotics, codeine syrup, restricted drones, used clothing and expired consumer products worth ₦43.59 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this while briefing journalists at APM Terminals, Apapa Port.
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Adeniyi warned that the port would not be allowed to become a channel for security threats, stressing that the seizures were the result of sustained intelligence-led operations, cargo profiling, documentary checks and targeted physical examinations by customs officers.
He said the NCS had strengthened collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and international security partners to improve enforcement at Nigeria’s ports.
According to him, three containers contained a combined 15,245 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 7,624kg, while another container concealed 1,700 cartons containing 169,998 bottles of codeine syrup under household items.
Customs officers also intercepted 108 high-definition dual-camera drones imported without the required security approvals and end-user certificates.
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Adeniyi said such security-sensitive equipment must meet all documentation requirements before clearance, warning that consignments arriving without the necessary certification would be detained.
He further disclosed that three containers contained 1,282 bales of used clothing, while five others were loaded with expired tomato ketchup, antiseptic liquid, vaginal tablets and disposable nappies.
The CGC warned that the importation of expired products intended for consumption or body use posed serious health risks, particularly to children and women.
He said the seized items would be handed over to the relevant government agencies for further investigation.
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The Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the seizures demonstrated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led enforcement and its responsibility to prevent prohibited and harmful goods from entering the country.
He also stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling drug trafficking and smuggling while assuring legitimate traders of the command’s continued support.