Korede Abdullah 
Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigeria Customs Service intercepts a massive consignment of codeine syrup worth N3.39 billion at Apapa Port, intensifying the country’s crackdown on illicit drug trafficking.
The interception was carried out on Sunday, March 15, 2026, by the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Announcing the operation on Tuesday, Customs Area Controller Emmanuel Oshoba says the discovery results from intelligence-driven enforcement.
“The consignment, comprising 3,398 cartons, was meticulously concealed inside household utensils. Its duty value is estimated at N3.39 billion,” Oshoba says.
He adds that the seizure highlights the command’s commitment to making Apapa Port hostile to smugglers and narcotics traffickers.
“This operation reflects our intelligence-led approach and commitment to making Apapa Port extremely hostile to smugglers and drug traffickers,” he says.
Oshoba also credits the success to coordinated enforcement with the anti-drug agency.
“The continued partnership with the NDLEA demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement in tackling illicit drug trafficking,” he says.
The interception follows a recent warning by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, to criminal networks operating within Nigeria’s busiest seaport. Customs Seize N3.39bn Codeine Hidden In Utensils At Apapa Port
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