APAPA CUSTOMS TEACH ‘KILLER-DRUG’ BARONS A HARD LESSON; AS CG ADENIYI ANNOUNCES A N53.3 BILLION SEIZURE OF 9 CONTAINERS OF FAKE DRUGS
Nine major seizures of several brands of dangerous drugs valued at more than N53.3 billion have been recorded by officers and men of the premier customs command, Apapa, an operation the Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, MFR, dubbed as ‘intelligence-driven’
Briefing newsmen in Apapa Customs command today, the Customs Boss said the seizures comprised;
a. i. A 1x40ft container with number CAAU7569127 found to contain 3,639 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Canadian Loud) weighing 1819.5 kilograms, concealed alongside three imported vehicles and assorted automobile spare parts.
ii. Another 1x40ft container with number HAMU3246311 conveying 9,918 sachets of Cannabis Sativa, weighing approximately 4.95 metric tones, concealed alongside two imported vehicles and household items. Others include
b. i. A 1x40ft container with number MRKU3816476 conveying 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of Codeine Syrup (CSP) concealed with 38 cartons of insulated casserole dishes.
ii.. Another 1x40ft container with number TGBU5399178 conveying 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) of Codeine Syrup (CSP) concealed inside 36 cartons of casserole products.
c. i. Similarly, a 1x40ft container with number HASU4519480 conveying 1,300 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol (Timakadol).
ii. 1x40ft container with number MRKU4961275 conveying 1,269 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including Oxytocin injections, Mexclor Eye Drops and Carbamazepine tablets (Termigral brand).
iii. Another consignment in a 1x40ft container number PCIU8771576 comprising expired pharmaceutical products, including Cloxicillin capsules 100mg, Cynamine 12 Vitamin B12 injections and Becoline B-Complex injections. All intercepted for regulatory action.
d. A 1x20ft container with number MRKU 6964435 conveying Piccan Teething Powder.
e. Lastly, a 1x40ft container, No. TCKU7000791, conveying 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules bearing a fake NAFDAC Registration Number (04-6646) and an expiry date of December 2028.
The seizure is made as a result of intelligence analysis and Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII). This particular seizure at first glance, the consignment appeared legitimate. However, a detailed verification of the NAFDAC certificate presented by the declarant established that the product is, in fact, not registered with NAFDAC. The use of a fake registration number and supporting documentation clearly indicates a deliberate attempt to smuggle unregistered pharmaceutical products into the Nigerian market, thereby posing a serious risk to public health. Consequently, the consignment was seized in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and will be handed over to NAFDAC for further regulatory action and investigation.
Cumulatively, these 9 seizures have a Duty Paid Value of FiftyThree Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety-One Million, One Hundred and Forty Thousand and Twenty-Nine Naira (₦53,391,140,029.00) only. 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 deposed that the importation of expired pharmaceuticals and controlled substances poses a direct threat to public health, while the sophisticated concealment methods adopted by these criminal networks demonstrate their determination to exploit legitimate trade channels for illicit purposes. However, these interceptions equally demonstrate that the Nigeria Customs Service possesses the intelligence capability, technological capacity and operational readiness to detect, intercept and dismantle these criminal enterprises.
According to him, in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, narcotic drugs falling within the statutory jurisdiction of the NDLEA will today be formally handed over to the Agency for further investigation and prosecution. Similarly, expired pharmaceutical products will be transferred to NAFDAC for regulatory action and safe disposal. It is important to state that where prohibited items were concealed alongside vehicles, automobile spare parts or other imported goods, only the narcotic drugs and expired pharmaceuticals are being handed over today. The remaining goods shall remain in the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service for seizure, forfeiture, condemnation, revenue recovery and other enforcement actions as provided by law.
He commends the officers and men of the Apapa Area Command for their professionalism, vigilance and unwavering dedication to duty. He equally appreciates the sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service, the NDLEA, NAFDAC and other security agencies whose partnership continues to strengthen Nigeria’s border security architecture.
The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to deepen collaboration with all relevant government agencies, the private sector and our international partners to deny criminal organisations the opportunity to exploit Nigeria’s ports and borders. Their resolve is unwavering; every intelligence lead will be pursued, every violation thoroughly investigated and every offender brought to justice in accordance with the law. They remain committed to building a secure trading environment that protects our economy, safeguards public health and reinforces national security.
He said to those who seek to use our ports to traffic illicit drugs, expired pharmaceuticals or other prohibited goods, let today’s operation send a clear and unmistakable message that Nigeria’s ports are no longer safe havens for smugglers or organised criminal networks. Through technology, intelligence, coordinated border management and the professionalism of their officers, the Nigeria Customs Service is steadily closing the gaps previously exploited by criminal syndicates.
He stressed that they shall continue to intercept, expose and prosecute all those who threaten our economy, compromise public health or undermine the security of our nation. ‘Together with our partner agencies, we remain steadfast in protecting our borders, facilitating legitimate trade, preserving the health of our citizens and securing the future of our country.’
According to him, only last week, he had the special privilege of Charing the 147th/148th Sessions of the Council of World Customs Organisation in Brussels. Over a period of one week, Customs Administrations from 187 members countries deliberated on the theme “Customs Protecting the Society through Vigilance and Commitment”. The Sessions also provided them the opportunity to engage with critical stakeholders like the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and INTERPOL and deepen international cooperation to advance our societal protection mandate.
He noted that today’s briefing is indeed a manifestation of some of their conclusions at the Council meeting. It is indeed showcasing the end product of diligent commitment to societal cause, driven and supported by collaboration between and among Agencies, within and across our