₦53.39 Billion Drug Bust: Customs Intercepts 9 Containers of Cannabis, Codeine Fake Medicines at Apapa Port
By Success Okezie
The Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against smuggling with the interception of nine containers at Apapa Port. The seizure, valued at ₦53,391,140,029 Duty Paid Value, is being described as one of the most significant anti-narcotics and anti-counterfeit drug operations in recent years.
The handover ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Apapa Area Command. Addressing journalists, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the operation reflects the Service’s renewed mandate to protect Nigerians from dangerous and unregulated substances through intelligence-led enforcement at the borders
According to the CGC, the operation was the result of months of painstaking intelligence gathering, advanced non-intrusive inspections, thorough physical examinations, and close operational collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. This synergy, he noted, has become central to Customs’ strategy for disrupting sophisticated smuggling networks.
Among the seizures were: two 40-foot containers concealed 6.77 metric tonnes of Cannabis Sativa, commonly called “Canadian Loud”. The drugs were cleverly hidden among imported vehicles, household items, and automobile spare parts to evade detection.
Codeine Syrup: Two containers held 339,800 bottles of Codeine Syrup, packed inside cartons labeled as insulated casserole dishes.
Expired Pharmaceutical Products: Three containers carried thousands of cartons of expired and hazardous medicines. These included Tramadol tablets, Oxytocin injections, Carbamazepine tablets, Cloxicillin capsules, Vitamin B12 injections, and B-Complex injections. Health experts warn that such expired drugs can cause organ failure, drug resistance, and even death.
Falsified Medicines: One container contained Piccan Teething Powder, while another held 1,100 packages of CHAPCOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules. Investigations revealed the CHAPCOLD packs bore a fake NAFDAC registration number and forged import documents. NAFDAC confirmed that none of the seized medicines were approved for importation or sale in Nigeria.
Beyond the Monetary Value
While the Duty Paid Value stands at over ₦53.3 billion, CGC Adeniyi emphasized that the true impact is on public health and national security. “This is not just about revenue,” he said. “It is about preventing dangerous narcotics and fake medicines from reaching our communities and endangering lives.”
He praised Customs officers for their diligence and commended the NDLEA for the intelligence-sharing and joint operations that made the bust possible. He added that intelligence cooperation is now a critical weapon against transnational organized crime.
Receiving the seizures, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), highly respected by
NDLEA Director of Seaport Operations, ACGN Ibinabo Archiea Abia Ogoba, Marwa
reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to take the case further. He pledged that NDLEA would identify, arrest, and prosecute all those involved, and ensure that proceeds and assets linked to the crime are confiscated.
Gen. Marwa also reiterated NDLEA’s resolve to work closely with Customs and other security agencies to dismantle drug cartels, secure Nigeria’s maritime borders, and safeguard the country from the scourge of illicit narcotics.
The handover underscores a deepening partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA, and NAFDAC. Together, the agencies are sending a clear message: Nigeria’s ports will not be used as entry points for drugs, fake medicines, or any product that threatens the health and safety of citizens.
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