The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 13 containers carrying cannabis sativa, codeine syrup, security-sensitive equipment and expired products at the Apapa Port in Lagos, with a combined duty-paid value of N43.59 billion.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Thursday during a briefing on recent seizures recorded by the Apapa Area Command.
According to him, the interceptions were the result of sustained intelligence-led operations, enhanced cargo profiling and strengthened risk-assessment mechanisms deployed by the Service.
Adeniyi said the seizures reflected the broader responsibilities of the NCS under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which mandates the Service not only to collect revenue but also to secure the supply chain, protect Nigeria’s borders and safeguard goods entering the country.
“The revenue is the part of our work that is counted publicly each quarter. The other part is measured in what never reaches the street, and it is that part I am reporting today,” he said.
The Customs boss said criminal networks were increasingly concealing illicit goods in legitimate consignments, making intelligence gathering, cargo profiling and targeted examination critical to effective enforcement.
He disclosed that narcotics were being concealed in vehicle spare parts and used vehicles, controlled drugs hidden beneath household items, while restricted equipment was sometimes declared as ordinary electronics.
7.6 Tonnes of Cannabis Intercepted
Adeniyi said three containers intercepted at the port contained 15,245 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing more than 7.6 tonnes.
The first 40-foot container, HAMU 3086682, contained 4,777 parcels weighing 2,388.5kg, concealed in cartons, jumbo bags and drums alongside automobile spare parts, food items and three vehicles.
The second container, FANU 1933352, contained 8,287 parcels weighing 4,145kg, packed in 162 bags and concealed alongside three vehicles.
The third, a 20-foot container identified as MSKU 3941778, contained 2,181 parcels weighing 1,090.5kg, alongside foreign parboiled rice, automobile spare parts, lithium batteries, turmeric and assorted fish.
The Comptroller-General attributed the cannabis seizures to collaboration between the NCS, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and international security partners.
170,000 Bottles of Codeine Seized
Customs also intercepted a 40-foot container, TCKU 7653306, containing 1,700 cartons of codeine syrup comprising 169,998 bottles.
The consignment was concealed beneath household items.
Adeniyi described the abuse of controlled substances, particularly codeine, as a serious national concern, warning of its devastating consequences for young Nigerians, families and society.
Drones, Used Clothes, Expired Goods Intercepted
Beyond narcotics, Customs seized 108 high-definition dual-camera drones from container MSKU 9282528.
Adeniyi said while drones have legitimate applications, security-sensitive equipment could pose significant risks if placed in the wrong hands.
He warned importers of such equipment to obtain the necessary security approvals, end-user certificates and documentation before shipment.
The Service also intercepted 1,282 bales of used clothing from three containers.
Five additional containers were found to contain expired products, including tomato ketchup, antiseptic liquid, vaginal tablets and disposable nappies.
The Customs chief warned that expired products intended for human consumption or household use could expose Nigerians to serious health risks.
The seized narcotics and controlled pharmaceutical products have been handed over to the NDLEA and NAFDAC respectively for further action.
Customs Assures Legitimate Traders
Adeniyi assured legitimate businesses that the intensified enforcement would not obstruct lawful commerce, stressing that the Service remained committed to facilitating legitimate trade.
He warned smugglers and importers involved in false declaration, concealment, undervaluation or the importation of prohibited goods that Nigerian ports, border stations and logistics channels would not be allowed to become safe havens.
He urged importers to take advantage of Customs compliance mechanisms, including the Advance Ruling system, which provides clarity on classification, valuation and origin before shipment.
He also encouraged compliant businesses to enrol in the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, which offers more predictable clearance and fewer interventions where risk assessment permits.
Adeniyi commended officers of the Apapa Area Command for their vigilance and professionalism, while appreciating the NDLEA, NAFDAC and international partners for their cooperation.
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