Nigerian Customs Unveils Seizures Worth N1.8 Billion at Apapa Port
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has once again demonstrated its commitment to protecting national security with a monumental seizure at Apapa Port, unveiling pharmaceutical products and contraband worth N1.8 billion in duty-paid value (DPV). This latest operation underscores the agency’s continued focus on safeguarding Nigerians against illicit and harmful imports.
During a press briefing held today, the Comptroller-General of Customs disclosed that 12 containers filled with expired drugs, unregistered pharmaceuticals, and prohibited items were intercepted. The NCS, known for its tough stance against illegal importations, has taken swift action to prevent the distribution of potentially harmful products that could endanger public health and fuel criminal activities.
Among the items seized were large quantities of tramadol and codeine—substances notorious for their misuse in criminal and illicit activities. One of the key containers discovered during the operation was declared to contain medical supplies like baclofen tablets and atenolol gloves but was instead found to be filled with expired immune supplements, analgesics, and dangerous narcotics, all without the necessary NAFDAC registration.
The CG explained that several containers attempted to conceal the illicit drugs, including tramadol (100mg and 225mg) and codeine, behind legitimate products, while others harbored expired pharmaceutical items dating as far back as April 2024. The seizure also included over 27,000 cutlasses and machetes, further highlighting the potentially deadly consequences if these illegal imports had made their way into public circulation.
Comptroller-General of Customs stressed that these illegal imports violated Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023 and called on Nigerian port users to prioritize legitimate trade practices. He applauded the diligent efforts of the Apapa Command, led by Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, for executing these significant anti-smuggling operations.
This latest operation is yet another powerful message to criminal elements that the NCS remains resolute in its mission to protect the nation’s borders and citizens.
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