The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over seized narcotics, controlled pharmaceutical products, security-sensitive drones and expired goods valued at N43.5 billion to relevant government agencies in Lagos.
The consignments were intercepted during intelligence-led operations at the Apapa Port, with the seized items transferred to agencies including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further action.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said the seizures demonstrated that the agency’s responsibilities extend beyond revenue collection to include border protection, supply-chain security and safeguarding the public from dangerous imports.
According to the Customs chief, the seizures included 7,624 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa, 169,998 bottles of codeine-based syrup and 100 high-definition dual-camera drones imported without the required approvals.
Several expired products were also intercepted, including tomato ketchup, antiseptic liquids, vaginal tablets and disposable nappies. Customs said such products could pose serious health risks if they reached unsuspecting consumers.
Adeniyi said criminal networks were increasingly hiding prohibited items within legitimate consignments and using false declarations to evade detection.
“The Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 charges this Service with more than the collection of revenue,” Adeniyi said, stressing the agency’s role in securing Nigeria’s borders and controlling what enters the country.
The development is significant because the seized consignments involved items with potential implications for public health, national security and the fight against illicit drug trafficking. Customs also warned that security-sensitive equipment such as drones requires appropriate approvals and end-user certificates before importation.
The latest operation reflects growing emphasis on intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation at Nigeria’s ports. Customs said it has strengthened cargo profiling, risk assessment and international intelligence partnerships to detect prohibited imports.
The seizure underscores the importance of effective port surveillance as authorities seek to prevent Nigeria from becoming a transit point for illicit drugs, restricted equipment and unsafe consumer products.
