Customs Intercepts ₦43.5Bn Worth Of Contraband At Apapa Port: Drugs, Drones, Expired Goods Seized In Major Crackdown
…CG Adeniyi Says Smugglers Now Hide Illicit Cargo in Legitimate Shipments.
By Success Okezie
The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has dealt a major blow to drug cartels and smuggling syndicates with the interception of 13 containers of dangerous goods worth *₦43,588,618,859* at the Apapa Area Command in Lagos.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, *Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who briefed journalists on Monday, said the seizures were the result of sustained intelligence-led operations and proof that criminal networks are now using sophisticated methods to smuggle contraband into the country.
CG Adeniyi told reporters that the containers displayed were not random catches.
“The containers behind me are not an isolated event and they should not be reported as one. They represent a pattern,” he said.
The CG explained that the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 has expanded the Service’s mandate beyond revenue generation to include securing the supply chain and protecting Nigerians from harmful imports.
“Revenue is what we announce every quarter. The other part of our work is measured by what never reaches the street. It is that part I am reporting today,” Adeniyi stated.
According to the CG, smugglers have changed tactics. Illicit goods are now concealed inside legitimate cargo to beat inspection.
“Narcotics are packed among vehicle spare parts and used vehicles. Controlled drugs travel beneath household goods. Restricted equipment is declared as ordinary electronics. A container of that kind will pass an untargeted inspection without difficulty,” he said.
To counter this, Customs has upgraded its capacity. The Service has strengthened cargo profiling and risk assessment, deployed the *B’Odogwu trade data platform*, and in July opened an *INTERPOL Data Centre* at its Abuja Headquarters — the 8th in Africa. The centre gives officers access to over 152 international databases.
The Service is also working closely with *NDLEA, NAFDAC, the Office of the National Security Adviser*, and international security partners.
The Apapa operation uncovered three categories of dangerous imports:
Three containers held 15,245 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 7,624kg.
– HAMU 3086682: 4,777 parcels of cannabis hidden in bags, drums and cartons, plus auto parts, food items and 3 vehicles.
– FANU 1933352: 8,287 parcels of cannabis in 162 bags, plus 3 vehicles.
– MSKU 3941778: 2,181 parcels of cannabis, rice, batteries, electronics and foodstuff.
Customs also intercepted TCKU 7653306 carrying 1,700 cartons containing 169,998 bottles of codeine syrup concealed under household items.
“The abuse of codeine among young Nigerians is linked to violent conduct, family breakdown and lost lives. A single container of this size would have supplied that trade for a considerable period,” Adeniyi said.
Officers extracted 108 units of high-definition dual-camera drones* from container *MSKU 9282528.
“Drones have lawful uses. But in the wrong hands, they become tools for surveillance, reconnaissance and delivery. Our security agencies have already met them in that role in the field,” the CG warned.
He directed that all restricted equipment must have security approvals and end-user certificates before clearance. “Our ports will not be a route through which capability reaches those working against the security of this country.”
Five containers were loaded with expired products dangerous to public health:
– *SUDU 7593139: Expired tomato ketchup
– *PCIU 2834954: Expired antiseptic liquid
– *ZCSU 8749546: Expired vaginal tablets
– *PONU 7890827 & MSKU 1524590*: Expired disposable nappies
Three other containers held 1,282 bales of used clothing.
“These are products applied to the body and consumed in homes. Their importation after expiry places children, women and other consumers at risk they cannot detect at the point of purchase,” Adeniyi said.
The CG confirmed that all narcotics will be handed over to NDLEA for destruction and further investigation.
He assured legitimate traders that Customs remains committed to fast clearance, but warned that scrutiny will focus on high-risk consignments.
“To those engaged in false declaration, concealment and importation of prohibited goods, the position is straightforward: no port, border station or logistics channel will be permitted to serve as a safe haven,” he declared.
Adeniyi advised importers to use the Advance Ruling mechanism to confirm product classification before shipment, and to join the Authorised Economic Operator programme for predictable clearance.
“Compliance is not an obstacle to business. It is an advantage over competitors who lack it,” he said.
The CG commended officers of the Apapa Area Command for their professionalism and thanked NDLEA, NAFDAC and international partners.
“Our ports must serve lawful commerce, industrial growth and prosperity. They must not serve as transit points for narcotics, controlled drugs, or goods that endanger Nigerians. The Service will continue to hold that line,” he concluded
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