The Nigeria Customs Service seized expired drugs, codeine, and contraband worth N6.38 billion at Apapa, strengthening enforcement against criminal smuggling networks.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has carried out a major operation at its Apapa Command, intercepting expired drugs, controlled substances, and other contraband valued at N6.38 billion.
The seizure involved 13 containers containing unregistered pharmaceuticals, restricted equipment, and narcotics, demonstrating the increasing vigilance of the Customs in protecting public health and securing Nigeria’s ports.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed the details while showcasing the confiscated items.
According to him, the interception followed detailed scanning analysis and rigorous physical examination of containers by Customs officers.
“Our officers are increasingly using advanced inspection techniques to ensure contraband and expired goods do not reach Nigerian consumers,” he emphasized.
The operation revealed the deliberate concealment of dangerous products. A 40-foot container carrying expired pharmaceutical products, including Mixagrip Cold Caplets and Ladinax tablets, was among the seized items.
Two other 40-foot containers, containing unregistered drugs like Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate, were also intercepted.
Adeniyi noted that the importation of expired drugs and unapproved medicines poses a serious risk to public health.
One of the most notable seizures involved a 20-foot container carrying 800 cartons of Codeine (TPL CSC), which were hidden inside toilet flushing cisterns and sanitary ware.
Other high-risk consignments included a 40-foot container of Artesunate 60 injections and a 20-foot container of restricted security equipment, including bulletproof vests, helmets, walkie-talkies, and tactical torches, all without End User Certificates.
The Customs operation also uncovered expired consumer goods. These included a 20-foot container with expired muffin cookie biscuits, another 20-foot container holding 36,000 cans of expired Primo energy drinks, and a 20-foot container filled with expired St. Kelvin tomato paste.
Another 20-foot container contained expired De Truth tomato paste. Additionally, a 40-foot container carrying 1,700 cartons of Codeine cough syrup was discovered, cleverly concealed in luxury food flasks.
Adeniyi further revealed a 40-foot container containing 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine, hidden among 156 cartons of electric kettles.
Additional pharmaceutical seizures included 13 cartons of Bristol Co-codamol 500mg and two cartons of Zevita Co-codamol 500mg.
In a separate bust, officers intercepted 13 jumbo bags of Cannabis Sativa (Colorado), weighing 347.57 kg, concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle (Chassis No. 5TDDK3DC7DS057669).
According to Adeniyi, the total value of the seized goods amounted to N6,381,237,988. He underscored that Apapa Port is no longer a safe haven for smugglers and criminal networks hiding behind false trade documentation.
“The Nigeria Customs Service is determined to protect the integrity of our ports and ensure that illegal or expired goods do not endanger Nigerians,” he added.
The Comptroller-General emphasized that all seized consignments are liable to outright forfeiture under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
Penalties will be imposed, evaded revenues recovered, and all persons connected to these shipments prosecuted.
Adeniyi reiterated the strategic importance of Apapa Port, which serves as Nigeria’s busiest maritime gateway and one of the most crucial trade corridors in West Africa.
To address challenges such as port congestion and smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service has collaborated with government agencies and industry stakeholders to improve efficiency across Nigeria’s maritime gateways.
Measures like the launch of the Green Channel at Lekki Deep Seaport aim to accelerate cargo clearance for compliant traders while strengthening enforcement against high-risk consignments.
“As the volume of trade passing through Nigeria’s ports continues to grow, the responsibility of the Customs becomes even more critical,” Adeniyi noted.
“Thousands of containers pass through Apapa daily, carrying goods that support industries, businesses, and our national economy.
“While we facilitate legitimate trade, we also ensure that criminal elements do not exploit our ports.”
Operational data from Apapa Port indicates the Nigeria Customs Service has been applying risk-based inspection strategies to monitor incoming cargo.
Recent figures show that 3,236 consignments passed through the Orange Channel (Non-Intrusive Inspection – scanning), 5,490 through the Yellow Channel (documentary checks), and 21,373 consignments were subjected to full physical examination under the Red Channel.
Additionally, 1,118 consignments passed through the Blue Channel, while 149 consignments utilized the Green Channel, reflecting varying levels of facilitation based on compliance and risk profiling.
The successful interception of expired drugs, codeine products, narcotics, and restricted equipment demonstrates the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring the security of Nigeria’s ports.
Adeniyi stressed that the agency will continue to modernize its cargo control processes, expand non-intrusive inspections, and collaborate with other enforcement agencies to prevent the infiltration of illegal goods into the country.
The operation at Apapa underscores the critical role of Customs in maintaining national security, protecting the public from unsafe products, and supporting legitimate trade.
By combining modern inspection technologies with robust intelligence and enforcement strategies, the Nigeria Customs Service continues to send a strong message to smugglers: illegal trade will not be tolerated, and expired or contraband goods have no place in Nigeria.
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