CUSTOMS SEIZES DRUGS, DRONES, EXPIRED GOODS WORTH N43.59BN IN APAPA
Read Time:3 Minute, 28 Second
By:Aminat Tajudeen
The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted several containers carrying narcotics, controlled pharmaceuticals, security-sensitive equipment and expired goods at the Apapa Area Command, with a total duty-paid value of N43.59bn.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a press briefing on the seizures recorded at the command.
Adeniyi said the interceptions were the result of sustained intelligence-led operations supported by cargo profiling, risk assessment, documentary scrutiny and targeted examination.
He said the seizures reflected the Customs Service’s broader responsibility under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which includes securing the supply chain, protecting the nation’s borders and safeguarding Nigerians from harmful goods.
According to him, the Service has strengthened its cargo profiling and risk assessment systems, deployed the B’Odogwu platform to improve the use of trade data and established an INTERPOL Data Centre at its headquarters in Abuja.
He added that the centre, established in July, is the eighth of its kind in Africa and provides Customs officers with access to more than 152 international databases.
The Comptroller-General said the Service had also strengthened collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NAFDAC, the Office of the National Security Adviser and international security partners.
Among the items intercepted were three containers containing a combined 15,245 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 7,624kg.
One 40-foot container, with reference number HAMU 3086682, contained 4,777 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 2,388.5kg, alongside assorted automobile spare parts, coffee mix, oats and three vehicles.
Another 40-foot container, FANU 1933352, contained 8,287 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 4,145kg, as well as three vehicles.
The third narcotics container, MSKU 3941778, contained 2,181 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,090.5kg, alongside foreign parboiled rice, automobile spare parts, lithium batteries, a PV combiner box, turmeric and fish.
Adeniyi said the cannabis seizures were made through collaboration with the NDLEA and international security partners, whose intelligence was analysed and acted upon through targeted Customs operations.
Another 40-foot container, TCKU 7653306, was found to contain 1,700 cartons holding 169,998 bottles of codeine syrup concealed beneath household items.
The Customs chief said the seizure was particularly concerning given the longstanding national concern over the abuse of codeine and other controlled substances among young Nigerians.
The Service also intercepted 108 high-definition dual-camera drones from container MSKU 9282528.
Adeniyi explained that while drones had legitimate uses, security-sensitive equipment could be used for surveillance, reconnaissance and other criminal purposes if placed in the wrong hands.
He warned importers of restricted equipment to obtain the necessary security approvals, end-user certificates and documentation before clearance.
The Customs Service also intercepted three containers carrying 1,282 bales of used clothing.
These comprised 425 bales in MRKU 6185100, 435 bales in MRKU 5535966 and 422 bales in SEKU 4685299.
Five other containers were found to be fully loaded with expired products, including tomato ketchup, antiseptic liquid, vaginal tablets and disposable nappies.
Adeniyi said the importation of expired products posed serious health risks to consumers, particularly children and women.
He assured legitimate traders that Customs would continue to facilitate the quick movement of compliant cargo while subjecting high-risk consignments, transactions and operators to greater scrutiny.
He warned importers involved in false declaration, concealment, undervaluation or the importation of prohibited goods that no port, border station or logistics channel would be allowed to become a safe haven for criminal activities.
The Comptroller-General urged importers who were uncertain about the classification, valuation or origin of their goods to use the Service’s Advance Ruling mechanism before shipment.
He also encouraged compliant businesses to enrol in the Authorised Economic Operator programme, which provides more predictable clearance and fewer interventions where justified by risk assessment.
Adeniyi commended officers of the Apapa Area Command for their vigilance and professionalism, while appreciating the NDLEA, NAFDAC and international partners for their cooperation.
He reaffirmed that the nation’s ports must remain channels for lawful commerce, industrial growth and economic development rather than transit points for narcotics, controlled drugs, security-threatening equipment or goods capable of endangering public health.
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