Customs Uncovers Codeine, Fake Drugs, Stolen Cars in Major Smuggling Bust

Customs Uncovers Codeine, Fake Drugs, Stolen Cars in Major Smuggling Bust

The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized six containers laden with contraband valued at ₦3.25 billion. The intercepted goods include unregistered pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, used clothing, and two stolen vehicles smuggled from Canada.

At a press briefing on Thursday, 22 May 2025, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Babatunde Olomu said the seizure stemmed from the command’s unyielding anti-smuggling drive.

“This command is not sacrificing compliance on the altar of trade facilitation,” he said.

He stressed that while the NCS is committed to facilitating trade and generating revenue, its foremost duty remains safeguarding the Nigerian public from harmful imports.

Two of the containers, which concealed over 3,300 cartons of codeine cough syrup hidden inside toilet seats, were intercepted through international collaboration, including efforts by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The seized items fall into three main categories, codeine syrup disguised as sanitary ware, with a street value of ₦2.7 billion, unregistered pharmaceuticals and mis-declared skincare products and tablets as well as two stolen Lexus SUVs from Canada and 390 bales of used clothing

Olomu noted that the illegal imports violate the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, as well as international agreements like the World Customs Organization’s Operation STOP IV, which targets the trafficking of counterfeit and unauthorised medical goods.

Three suspects have been arrested and are currently under investigation.

The Command also reported revenue of ₦1.094 trillion as of 21 May 2025, exceeding its target. Olomu credited the performance to enhanced operational capacity, citing record-breaking daily revenue collections in October 2024, March and May 2025.

He issued a stern warning saying, “Apapa Port will remain a no-go area for unlawful activity. Our officers are fully prepared to detect concealments, seize goods, and make arrests where necessary.”

NDLEA Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Buba Wakawa, highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to stem the flow of illicit drugs into Nigeria.

“We signed an MoU with India to halt the production of codeine destined for Nigerian importers. In response, smugglers shifted manufacturing to neighbouring countries like Chad and redirected supplies into Nigeria. But with strengthened collaboration, we are closing that gap.”

Deputy Director, Port Inspection, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Kingsley Odumah, commended the synergy among port agencies, calling it essential in the fight against falsified and unregistered pharmaceuticals.