Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria – June 18, 2026: The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Apapa Area Command, has intercepted a consignment of illicit drugs and expired pharmaceuticals in an intelligence-led operations, marking another breakthrough in its fight against transnational crime and threats to public health.
Acting on credible intelligence, Customs officers in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA on June 15 intercepted a 40-foot container (No. CAAU7569127) carrying 3,639 sachets of Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as Canadian Loud. Each sachet weighed 500 grams, bringing the total haul to 1,819 kilograms (1.8 tonnes).
The drugs were concealed inside vehicles and bags within the container. Preliminary field tests confirmed the substance as Cannabis Sativa. Officials said the interception demonstrates the Command’s enhanced capacity to dismantle sophisticated smuggling networks exploiting Nigeria’s maritime entry points.
In a related operation, Customs also seized two 40-foot containers of expired pharmaceutical products illegally imported into the country. Investigations revealed the importers planned to relabel and reintroduce the drugs into the Nigerian market.
One container (No. PCIU8771576) contained expired Cidoxilin Capsules, Cynamine Vitamin B12 Injection, and Becoline B-Complex Injection, while another (No. MRKU4961275) held expired Oxytocin Injection, Mexclor Eye Drops, Avomex Tablets, Carbamazepine Tablets, Silymarin Tablets, Nystatin Tablets, and Hyoscine Butylbromide Tablets.
The combined Duty Paid Value, DPV of the seizures was put at N12.78 billion, underscoring the scale of attempted economic sabotage and the risks posed to public health.
Customs officials said the seizures prevented harmful and ineffective medications from entering hospitals, pharmacies, and homes across Nigeria.
Commenting on the operations, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller, CAC warned importers against engaging in smuggling and trafficking. “Unpatriotic importers who deliberately engage in drug trafficking and expired pharmaceuticals are enemies of Nigeria’s progress. We have the intelligence, the technology, and the resolve to identify and apprehend them. The consequences will be swift, decisive, and uncompromising,” he said.
Oshoba stressed that Apapa Port and all Customs-controlled areas remain under constant surveillance, with officers resolute in protecting the economy and safeguarding public health.
He reassured Nigerians of the Command’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations to secure legitimate trade and uphold national security.
The Apapa Area Command said its enforcement strategy is anchored on intelligence gathering, data analysis, and stakeholder collaboration, while continuing to facilitate legitimate trade in line with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda.
No comments:
Post a Comment