Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Apapa Area Command have intercepted two containers loaded with codeine-based cough syrup worth ₦3.398 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos.
The seizure, carried out on March 15, 2026, was the result of a joint operation between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), according to officials.
Customs authorities said the containers were found to contain 3,398 cartons—equivalent to 339,800 bottles of codeine containing syrup carefully concealed inside consignments of household utensils.
According to details released by the command, one of the containers, identified as MRKU 3816476, contained 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of the syrup hidden among 38 cartons of pearl-plated insulated casseroles and related items. The second container, TGBU 5399178, held 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) concealed within 36 cartons of pearl-plated casserole utensils.
The seized consignments have a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦3.398 billion and have been officially confiscated in accordance with provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
Speaking on the interception, the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Compt. Emmanuel Oshoba, said the operation demonstrates the command’s commitment to the enforcement directives of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
“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 controller also commended the NDLEA for its cooperation and support during the operation.
He reaffirmed the command’s determination to protect public health, safeguard national security and ensure that only legitimate trade activities are facilitated through the port.
The latest seizure comes days after the Comptroller-General’s visit to the Apapa Port, where he warned that the nation’s busiest seaport would no longer serve as a haven for smugglers or criminal syndicates operating under the guise of legitimate cargo.