Customs intercept N6.38bn expired drugs, codeine, security gear at Apapa Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has intercepted 13 containers carrying expired drugs, restricted security equipment, and other prohibited items valued at N6.38 billion at Apapa Port.

The seizure was announced on Tuesday by Bashir Adeniyi, comptroller-general of customs, during a press briefing at APM Terminals Apapa.

Adeniyi said the interceptions followed intensified intelligence-led enforcement operations at the port, including the use of scanning technology and targeted physical inspection of suspicious cargo.

Expired drugs and controlled substances uncovered

According to customs officials, the containers held a wide range of prohibited, expired, and falsely declared goods.

Among the items recovered were expired pharmaceutical products such as Mixagrip Cold Caplets, Ladinax tablets, chloroquine injections, and diclofenac tablets.

Officers also discovered large consignments of Hyegra 200, Sildenafil Citrate, and about 800 cartons of codeine concealed inside toilet cisterns and sanitary ware. Additional medical supplies, including cartons of artesunate injections, were also found during the inspection.

Authorities said the concealment methods suggested deliberate attempts by smugglers to bypass customs checks by hiding controlled substances inside everyday household goods.

Security equipment and cannabis also seized

Beyond pharmaceuticals, customs officers also uncovered restricted security equipment inside the containers.

These included bulletproof vests, helmets, walkie-talkies, and tactical torches.

Expired food items were also recovered, including muffin cookie biscuits and about 36,000 cans of expired Primo energy drinks, along with containers of St. Kelvin and De Truth tomato paste.

Further inspection revealed 1,700 cartons of codeine cough syrup concealed with luxury food flasks, while another shipment carried 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine hidden among cartons of electric kettles.

In addition, officers intercepted 13 jumbo bags of Cannabis Sativa weighing about 347.57 kilograms, which had been concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

Customs intensifies crackdown on illegal imports

Customs authorities said the seized items pose serious risks to public health and national security, particularly the expired pharmaceuticals and controlled substances hidden in imported cargo.

The service noted that enforcement operations at Apapa Port have been strengthened as part of broader efforts to curb smuggling and illegal imports through Nigeria’s seaports.

The latest interception comes amid a wider crackdown by government agencies on illicit drugs and other prohibited goods entering the country through ports and border routes.

In recent weeks, security agencies have carried out several operations targeting drug trafficking networks and illegal importation of controlled substances across Nigeria.

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