An attempt to smuggle illegal drugs worth N1,183,915,500 (one billion, one hundred and eighty-three million, nine hundred and fifteen thousand, five hundred naira) into the nation through four units of 40-foot containers has been foiled by the Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Port Command.

According to a breakdown of the seizures, there were 2,174 cartons total with 236,783 bottles of cough syrup—one each containing codeine and barkadin—packed from two terminals that were under command. APM Terminals accounted for three of the seizures, while Kachicares Bonded Terminal handled the fourth.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, provided more information about the seizures, describing them as a result of the zero tolerance policy for smuggling.

“On October 11, 2024, our officers during a joint examination of 1×40 container number MRKU0377493 found prohibited CSP cough syrup in 34,800 bottles,” Comptroller Olomu stated. Additionally, the offensive importation was discovered to be expired. They were concealed by the smugglers in 174 cartons, each holding 200 bottles.

“A 1×40 container with the tracking number TGBU8886020 was discovered to be loaded with 39,700 DSP cough syrup bottles, each arranged in a carton of 100 bottles, on the same day, during an additional inspection at the same terminal.

On October 15, 2024, APMT Container Terminal examined another 1x40ft container, NO TCKU6800526, which was allegedly dropped containing essential goods. Upon examination, it was discovered to contain 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup for throat and chesty, with codeine 100ml packed in 200 bottles per carton, hidden inside.

“On October 15, 2024, at Kachicares Resources Terminal, 1X40FT container NO SUDU8579006 that was purported to contain kitchenware was inspected and it was discovered to contain 100ml of Barcadin cough syrup for throat and chesty cough.

“1,584 cartons were used to package them. Within the container, another set of 83 loose bottles was discovered.

“Apapa Command is dedicated to smooth trade facilitation, supported by strong stakeholder engagement, as I have always stated. However, we will not compromise on our revenue collection or anti-smuggling mandates while we facilitate trade.

“I want to caution those involved in illegal trade to avoid Apapa Port as our vigilant officers, using technology, intelligence, and on-the-job training, are determined to expose their smuggling activities,” the controller stated for the umpteenth time.

Abuse of codeine has been linked to nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, impaired concentration and thought processes, and irrational behavior, including the display of criminal tendencies.

In 2018, the federal government outlawed the importation of codeine cough syrup due to its misuse and the negative consequences it caused for numerous young people who developed an addiction to it.

It has been discovered that these illegal substances encourage criminal activity and abnormal behaviors that have the potential to regress society.

In order to find out more information that might help identify the suspect or suspects, the Area Controller has ordered an additional investigation into the seizures.