As Apapa Command Nabs  ₦3.398b Codeine Syrup

News from the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service,  NCS, indicate that few days after the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,  declared  Apapa Port a a no-go area  for smugglers  and criminal syndicates, officers of the  Command have recorded  another significant breakthrough in battle against drug cartels.

In a statement signed by Isah Sulaiman,  Chief Superintendent of Customs and the Public Relations Officer, PRO, of the Command, disclosed that in a swift follow-up operation on Sunday, 15 March 2026, the Command, in joint collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), intercepted and seized Two (2) containers containing a total of 3,398 cartons (339,800 bottles) of Codeine-containing Syrup (CSP Codeine) carefully concealed in household utensils at the Apapa Port.

The PRO stated that cumulatively, the seizures have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Three Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety Eight Million, Naira (₦3,398,000,000.00) only.

Isah gave details of the seizures to include; a Container No. MRKU 3816476 found to contain 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of CSP Codeine concealed with 38 cartons of pearl plating insulated casserole/5′ Bullet Insulated Hotspot and Container No. TGBU 5399178 was found to contain 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) of CSP Codeine concealed with 36 cartons of pearl plating casserole.

“Both containers have been converted to seizure in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 as amended” the PRO said.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba told news men that the seizure serves as a clear demonstration of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the directives and vision of the CGC.

“This fresh seizure, coming just Five (5) days after the CGC’s visit and strong warning to criminal elements, is a direct response to his charge on us. 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,” the CAC said

The Apapa Comptroller commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its seamless collaboration and unwavering support in the successful operation.

Comptroller Oshoba maintained that the Apapa Area Command remains steadfast in its resolve to protect public health, safeguard national security and facilitate only legitimate trade, in line with the CGC’s renewed emphasis on technology-driven operations and zero tolerance for smuggling activities.

Clearly, any trader attempting illegitimate business within the Apapa Customs Command has a lot to worry about.