The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, recently prevented an attempt to smuggle four 40-foot containers of illicit drugs valued at N1.18 billion into the country. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Usman Abubakar, revealed this information. The seized items included bottles of cough syrup containing codeine and Barcadin Cough Syrup packed in cartons from two terminals within the command.
According to Abubakar, the Customs Area Controller, Babatunde Olomu, attributed the successful interception to the service’s strict stance against smuggling. Olomu provided specifics about the seizures, mentioning the discovery of prohibited cough syrups in the containers during examinations.
The containers were found to contain various types of cough syrups, including expired and undeclared ones. Olomu reiterated the commitment of the command to trade facilitation while maintaining a strong anti-smuggling stance. He warned against engaging in unlawful activities at Apapa Port and highlighted the dangers of codeine abuse, linking it to criminal behavior.
Further investigations are underway to apprehend the individuals involved in the smuggling attempt. The importation of codeine cough syrup was banned by the Federal Government in 2018 due to its widespread abuse and negative impact on the youth. Such illicit substances are known to fuel criminal activities and hinder societal progress.