Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, have intercepted two containers loaded with 3,398 cartons of codeine-containing syrup concealed within household items at Apapa Port, Lagos.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Isah Sulaiman, disclosed that the seizures had a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦3,398,000,000.

According to him, container No. MRKU 3816476 was found to contain 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of codeine syrup concealed among 38 cartons of pearl-plated insulated casseroles, while container No. TGBU 5399178 contained 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) hidden within 36 cartons of similar items.

Sulaiman stated that both containers had been formally seized in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, as amended.

Speaking on the interception, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the seizure underscored the Command’s commitment to the directives and vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC).

“This fresh seizure, coming just five days after the CGC’s visit and strong warning to criminal elements, is a direct response to his charge. We are fully aligned with the Service’s intelligence-led enforcement strategy and will continue to make Apapa Port extremely hostile to smugglers and drug traffickers,” Oshoba said.

He commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its collaboration, which facilitated the successful interception of the 339,800 bottles.

Oshoba reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to protect public health, safeguard national security, and ensure that only legitimate trade is conducted, in line with the Service’s technology-driven operations and zero tolerance for smuggling.