Customs Hands Over Seized Narcotic Drugs, Expired Pharmaceuticals Worth Over ₦53.391B
Customs Hands Over Seized Narcotic Drugs, Expired Pharmaceuticals Worth Over ₦53.391B
By Jerry Aguigbo
The Nigeria Customs Service has displayed seized Narcotic drugs which were subsequently handed over to the National Drug law Enforcement Agency,( NDLEA) and NAFDAC at Apapa , Lagos on Wednesday, 1 July, 2026.
The Customs Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who Chaired the event said the seizures on display specifically relates to Nine (9) seizures recently recorded by the Apapa Area Command following painstaking intelligence gathering, scanning analysis, physical examination and active collaboration with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The seizures, the CGC confirmed, comprise: a. A 1x40ft container with number CAAU7569127 found to contain 3,639 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Canadian Loud) weighing 1819.5 kilograms, concealed alongside three imported vehicles and assorted automobile spare parts.
Another 1x40ft container with number HAMU3246311 conveying 9,918 sachets of Cannabis Sativa, weighing approximately 4.95 metric tones, concealed alongside two imported vehicles and household items. Others include A 1x40ft container with number MRKU3816476 conveying 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of Codeine Syrup (CSP) concealed with 38 cartons of insulated casserole dishes. ii. Another 1x40ft container with number TGBU5399178 conveying 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) of Codeine Syrup (CSP) concealed inside 36 cartons of casserole products.
Similarly, a 1x40ft container with number HASU4519480 conveying 1,300 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol (Timakadol). 1x40ft container with number MRKU4961275 conveying 1,269 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including Oxytocin injections, Mexclor Eye Drops and Carbamazepine tablets (Termigral brand). iii. Another consignment in a 1x40ft container number PCIU8771576 comprising expired pharmaceutical products, including Cloxicillin capsules 100mg, Cynamine 12 Vitamin B12 injections and Becoline B-Complex injections. All intercepted for regulatory action.
d. A 1x20ft container with number MRKU 6964435 conveying Piccan Teething Powder.
Lastly, a 1x40ft container, No. TCKU7000791, conveying 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules bearing a fake NAFDAC Registration Number (04-6646) and an expiry date of December 2028.
Adeniyi noted that the seizures were made as a result of intelligence analysis and Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII). “This particular seizure at first glance, the consignment appeared legitimate. However, a detailed verification of the NAFDAC certificate presented by the declarant established that the product is, in fact, not registered with NAFDAC. The use of a fake registration number and supporting documentation clearly indicates a deliberate attempt to smuggle unregistered pharmaceutical products into the Nigerian market, thereby posing a serious risk to public health. Consequently, the consignment was seized in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and will be handed over to NAFDAC for further regulatory action and investigation.
Cumulatively, these 9 seizures have a Duty Paid Value of Fifty-Three Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety-One Million, One Hundred and Forty Thousand and Twenty-Nine Naira (₦53,391,140,029.00) only.
According to Adeniyi, these seizures represent far more than monetary value. They represent lives protected, families preserved, communities secured and countless young Nigerians shielded from the devastating consequences of drug abuse and unsafe medicines.
The importation of expired pharmaceuticals and controlled substances, he noted, poses a direct threat to public health, while the sophisticated concealment methods adopted by these criminal networks demonstrate their determination to exploit legitimate trade channels for illicit purposes. However, he added that these interceptions equally demonstrate that the Nigeria Customs Service possesses the intelligence capability, technological capacity and operational readiness to detect, intercept and dismantle these criminal enterprises.
” In accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, narcotic drugs falling within the statutory jurisdiction of the NDLEA will today be formally handed over to the Agency for further investigation and prosecution. Similarly, expired pharmaceutical products will be transferred to NAFDAC for regulatory action and safe disposal. It is important to state that where prohibited items were concealed alongside vehicles, automobile spare parts or other imported goods, only the narcotic drugs and expired pharmaceuticals are being handed over today. The remaining goods shall remain in the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service for seizure, forfeiture, condemnation, revenue recovery and other enforcement actions as provided by law.”
He commended the officers and men of the Apapa Area Command for their professionalism, vigilance and unwavering dedication to duty.
” I equally appreciate the sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service, the NDLEA, NAFDAC and other security agencies whose partnership continues to strengthen Nigeria’s border security architecture.”
The CGC reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service resolve to deepen collaboration with all relevant government agencies, the private sector and international partners to deny criminal organisations the opportunity to exploit Nigeria’s ports and borders. “Our resolve is unwavering; every intelligence lead will be pursued, every violation thoroughly investigated and every offender brought to justice in accordance with the law. We remain committed to building a secure trading environment that protects our economy, safeguards public health and reinforces national security.”
“To those who seek to use our ports to traffic illicit drugs, expired pharmaceuticals or other prohibited goods, let today’s operation send a clear and unmistakable message that Nigeria’s ports are no longer safe havens for smugglers or organised criminal networks. Through technology, intelligence, coordinated border management and the professionalism of our officers, the Nigeria Customs Service is steadily closing the gaps previously exploited by criminal syndicates. We shall continue to intercept, expose and prosecute all those who threaten our economy, compromise public health or undermine the security of our nation. Together with our partner agencies, we remain steadfast in protecting our borders, facilitating legitimate trade, preserving the health of our citizens and securing the future of our country.”
Also speaking, the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa who was ably represented by NDLEA Director of Seaport Operations, ACGN Ibinabo Archie’s Abia Ogoba commended the Comptroller-General of Customs and the entire Nigeria Customs Service for their steadfastness and commitment to rid Nigeria of hard Drugs.
His words:
” We recognise the sacrifices of your officers, who work daily to generate much-needed revenue for our nation while courageously confronting smugglers and other enemies of our economy.”
He reaffirmed that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency remains resolute, vigilant and uncompromising in its mandate to rid our society of narcotic drugs and to safeguard the future of our nation.
” We will continue to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service and all other security agencies to disrupt, defeat and dismantle criminal networks engaged in illicit drug trafficking, while keeping our maritime domain safe and secure for legitimate trade, investment, tourism and national prosperity.”
Marwa said his Agency will take it a notch higher to investigate and prosecute offenders.ommended the Comptroller-General of Customs and the entire Nigeria Customs Service for their steadfastness and commitment to rid Nigeria of hard Drugs.
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