QUASHED ATTEMPT: APAPA COMMAND STRIKES BIG AGAIN, INTERCEPTS OVER #3 BILLION CODEINE SYRUP

By Stella Okocha 

The Nigeria Customs Service , NCS, Apapa Area Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have recorded yet another significant anti-smuggling breakthrough, by intercepting Two (2) containers containing a total of 3,398 cartons (339,800 bottles) of Codeine-containing Syrup (CSP Codeine) carefully concealed in household utensils at the Apapa Port.

This operation took place on Sunday, 15 March 2026, barely Five (5) days after the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR PhD visited the Command and declared that the Apapa Port is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade documentation.

The details of the seizures are; a Container No. MRKU 3816476 found to contain 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of CSP Codeine concealed with 38 cartons of pearl plating insulated casserole/5′ Bullet Insulated Hotspot and Container No. TGBU 5399178 was found to contain 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) of CSP Codeine concealed with 36 cartons of pearl plating casserole.

Cumulatively, the seizures have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Three Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety Eight Million, Naira (₦3,398,000,000.00) only; and both containers have been converted to seizure in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 as amended.

Speaking on the latest interception, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba said the seizure serves as a clear demonstration of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the directives and vision of the CGC.

“This fresh seizure, coming just Five (5) days after the CGC’s visit and strong warning to criminal elements, is a direct response to his charge on us. We are fully aligned with the Service’s intelligence-led enforcement strategy and will continue to make Apapa Port extremely hostile to smugglers and drug traffickers,” he stated.

He also commended the NDLEA for its seamless collaboration and unwavering support in the successful operation; maintaining that the Apapa Area Command remains steadfast in its resolve to protect public health, safeguard national security and facilitate only legitimate trade, in line with the CGC’s renewed emphasis on technology-driven operations and zero tolerance for smuggling activities.