CUSTOMS UNCOVER MASSIVE CONTRABAND SHIPMENT WORTH N43.58BN AT APAPA PORT

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has intercepted 13 containers containing narcotics, controlled pharmaceutical products, security-sensitive equipment and expired goods with a combined duty-paid value of N43.58bn. The seizure was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, while the seized consignments were being presented at the command in Lagos.

According to the Customs authorities, the intercepted items were grouped into three major categories, including illicit drugs and controlled pharmaceuticals, equipment considered sensitive to national security, and expired products intended for human consumption. Among the major discoveries were three containers carrying a combined 15,245 parcels of Cannabis sativa with a total weight of about 7,624kg, as well as a separate container containing 169,998 bottles of codeine syrup concealed among household items.

The operation also led to the interception of security-sensitive equipment, including 108 high-definition dual-camera drones. Customs authorities said the importation of such equipment without the required documentation was a serious concern because of the possible misuse of the devices for surveillance or other activities capable of threatening national security.

Several containers were also found to contain expired products, including tomato ketchup, antiseptic liquid, vaginal tablets and disposable nappies. The command further intercepted 1,282 bales of used clothing as part of the seizures. Customs officials said the interception followed intelligence gathering, risk assessment and examination of suspicious consignments at the port.

Adeniyi stressed that the seizures demonstrated the importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation between Customs and other security agencies, particularly in tackling the movement of illicit drugs and other prohibited goods. He warned that Nigerian ports would not be allowed to serve as entry points for consignments capable of endangering public health or providing resources and equipment to individuals or groups that could threaten national security.