The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has been commended for one of its largest anti-smuggling operations this year after intercepting illicit drugs, expired pharmaceuticals and counterfeit medical products worth N53.39 billion at the Apapa Port, Lagos.
The seizure, described by stakeholders as a major win for public health and national security, underscores the growing impact of intelligence-led enforcement and inter-agency collaboration at Nigeria’s busiest seaport.
Intelligence, Technology and Teamwork at Work:
Speaking during the formal handover of the consignments at the Apapa Area Command today the 1st of July 2026, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, said the operation was achieved through non-intrusive inspection technology, cargo scanning, physical examination and sustained partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.
Customs officers intercepted nine containers loaded with prohibited items. The haul included:
Two containers of Cannabis Sativa, “Canadian Loud”* – 3,639 parcels weighing 1,819.5kg and 9,918 sachets weighing about 4.95 metric tonnes, concealed with vehicles and auto parts.
Two containers of Codeine Syrup* – 339,800 bottles hidden in cartons of insulated casserole dishes.
Three containers of expired pharmaceuticals* – including Tramadol, Oxytocin injections, Carbamazepine, Cloxicillin, Vitamin B12 and B-Complex injections.
One container of Piccan Teething Powder* for regulatory action.
One container of 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Capsules* bearing a fake NAFDAC number.
The cumulative Duty Paid Value of the seizures stood at *N53,391,140,029*.
“Lives Protected, Communities Secured”
Dr. Adeniyi said the value of the operation went beyond revenue.
“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,” he stated.
He noted that while criminal networks are adopting more sophisticated concealment methods, the Service now has the intelligence capacity, technology and operational readiness to detect and dismantle such syndicates.
All narcotics will be handed over to the NDLEA for investigation and prosecution, while expired and fake medicines will go to NAFDAC for regulatory action and safe disposal.
Vehicles and other goods used to conceal the items remain in Customs custody pending forfeiture and further enforcement under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
*Inter-Agency Synergy Earns Praise*
Representing NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), CON, OFR, the Director of Seaport Operations, ACGN Ibinabo Archiea Abia Ogoba, described the handover as a landmark in NDLEA-NCS cooperation.
He said the operation followed over four months of intelligence and marine surveillance by NDLEA’s Special Investigation and Marine Intelligence Units, working with international partners including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The consignments were tracked from Canada through multiple trans-shipment points before interception at Lagos ports.
“The professionalism, intelligence sharing and sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies made this possible,” Ogoba said.
“This is clear evidence that coordinated action works against transnational organised crime.”
Dr. Adeniyi commended officers of the Apapa Area Command and partner agencies for their vigilance, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to securing borders, facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring Nigerian ports are no longer safe routes for illicit imports.
