Apapa Customs Intercepts N3.2bn Worth of Contraband, Including Codeine, Stolen Cars and Used Clothing

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has seized six containers loaded with prohibited and falsely-declared items valued at over N3.2 billion, as part of its intensified anti-smuggling efforts.

Speaking during a press briefing held at the Command headquarters on Thursday, May 22, 2025, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babajide Olomu, PhD, disclosed that the seizures were the result of meticulous intelligence gathering and collaboration with both local and international enforcement agencies.

Olomu said the interception followed the strategic direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, who recently visited the Command to showcase an earlier seizure of 12 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals.

“This Command is not sacrificing compliance on the altar of trade facilitation. While we support legitimate trade and revenue generation, our primary obligation remains the protection of Nigerians from harmful imports,” Olomu declared.

Seizures Breakdown

The seized items fall into three major categories:

1. Codeine-Laden Containers (Category 1)
Two 40-foot containers were intercepted containing large quantities of codeine syrup:

• Container No. SUDU 8685733 was loaded with 1,698 cartons of RTPL CSC cough syrup with codeine, concealed inside 202 packages of ceramic toilet seats.
• Container No. MRSU 4846204 held 1,690 cartons of codeine syrup, similarly hidden in bathroom fittings.

The combined street value of these two containers is estimated at N2.71 billion. According to Olomu, the interception was made possible through joint efforts with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and foreign partners.

2. Falsely Declared Pharmaceuticals (Category 2)
Another set of containers was discovered to contain unregistered pharmaceutical products:

• Container No. ONEU 1153150 contained 1,584 packages of Globatin anti-mark cream and 30g Clobetasol cream, falsely declared as truck tyres.
• Container No. MRSU 3258823 was filled with various unregistered drugs including Rabeprazole injections, Zahifranil tablets (1000mg), Vancomycin Hydrochloride, and Ciprophetadine with Vitamin B Complex, falsely declared as kitchenware and tables.

These pharmaceutical items were imported without necessary regulatory approvals, including NAFDAC registration.

3. Stolen Vehicles and Banned Goods (Category 3)
The final category of seizures involved stolen vehicles and contraband:

• Container No. MRKU 0904594 was found to contain two stolen Lexus SUVs from Canada — a 2024 Lexus RX 450 (Chassis No. JTJCJNGA6R2017707) and a 2023 Lexus RX 350 (Chassis No. 2T2BAMCAPCO32741) — falsely declared as food items.
• Container No. SEKUL 4716830 contained 390 bales of used clothing, in contravention of Nigeria’s import prohibition list.

Olomu stressed that the importation of such items not only violates local laws, including the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, but also contravenes international enforcement initiatives such as the World Customs Organization’s Operation STOP IV, which targets counterfeit and substandard medical products.

Suspects and Legal Action

Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the seizures and are currently undergoing investigation. The Command has vowed to prosecute them to the full extent of the law.

Revenue Milestone

In addition to its enforcement achievements, the Apapa Command has recorded an impressive revenue collection milestone. As of May 21, 2025, the Command had generated N1.094 trillion, exceeding the one-trillion-naira mark in less than five months.

Notable daily collections include:

• N18.2 billion in October 2024
• N18.9 billion on March 14, 2025
• N18.919 billion on May 20, 2025

Olomu described these figures as “a testament to the Command’s consistency and commitment to surpassing its annual targets.”

Zero Tolerance for Smuggling

The Comptroller concluded by warning smugglers and importers of prohibited goods to steer clear of Apapa Port.

“Apapa Port will remain a no-go area for unlawful activities. Our officers are alert, and we will continue to expose all forms of concealment and prosecute offenders accordingly,” he said.

The Apapa Command’s latest haul reinforces the NCS’s strategic focus on safeguarding the economy, public health, and national security through robust enforcement and intelligent risk management.

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