Nigeria Customs Service intercepts billions in smuggled goods and narcotics

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has conducted major seizures of contraband and illicit goods across different regions. In Lagos, the service intercepted 13 containers at the Apapa Port with a combined duty paid value of approximately N43.59 billion. These seizures included over 7.6 tonnes of cannabis sativa, 169,998 bottles of codeine syrup, security-sensitive equipment, and various expired products such as antiseptic liquid and tomato ketchup. The seized narcotics and expired goods were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

In Kwara State, the Kwara Area Command intercepted smuggled items valued at N604.33 million. This seizure included 3,396 packets of 100mg Tramadol, foreign parboiled rice, spaghetti, premium motor spirit (PMS), and two high-value vehicles. Acting Area Controller Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi stated that the command is utilizing actionable intelligence and inter-agency collaboration to prevent the state from serving as a transit route for illicit cross-border trade.