Customs Intercepts 339,800 Codeine Bottles Worth N3.39bn At Apapa Port

The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of two containers loaded with 3,398 cartons, equivalent to about 339,800 bottles, of Codeine-containing Syrup (CSP) concealed in household utensils at the Apapa Port.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, the seizures were made in a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

According to him, Container No. MRKU 3816476 was found to contain 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of the prohibited codeine syrup concealed with 38 cartons of pearl-plated insulated casserole/5′ Bullet Insulated Hotspot, while Container No. TGBU 5399178 contained 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) hidden alongside 36 cartons of pearl-plated casserole.
Sulaiman said both containers have been converted to seizure in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 (as amended).
He noted that the interception came barely five days after the comptroller general of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, visited Apapa Port and warned that the port would no longer serve as a haven for smugglers hiding behind legitimate trade documentation.

“Following the CGC’s visit, officers of the Apapa Area Command recorded yet another significant breakthrough. In a swift follow-up operation on Sunday, March 15, 2026, the Command, in collaboration with the NDLEA, intercepted two containers containing 3,398 cartons (339,800 bottles) of Codeine-containing Syrup carefully concealed in household utensils,” the statement said.

The seized consignments have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.39 billion, according to the Command.

Reacting to the development, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the seizure underscores the Command’s commitment to implementing the directives and enforcement strategy of the comptroller general of Customs.

“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 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,” Oshoba said.

The CAC also commended the NDLEA for its seamless collaboration and support in the successful operation.

He reaffirmed that the Apapa Area Command remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s borders, protecting public health, and ensuring that criminal networks do not exploit the country’s seaports for illicit trade.