The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported the interception of six containers at Apapa Port, Lagos, containing controlled drugs, unregistered pharmaceuticals, counterfeit goods, and vehicles suspected to be stolen.
The interception was disclosed during an official press briefing by the Nigeria Customs Area Command, Apapa, and subsequently communicated through the Service’s verified channels. According to NCS, the seized items include cartons of codeine syrup, other unregistered pharmaceutical products, counterfeit cosmetics, used clothing, and motor vehicles suspected to have been unlawfully imported. The Service placed the estimated combined value of the seized items at approximately ₦3.25 billion.
Customs stated that two of the containers were flagged through international intelligence cooperation, including coordination with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. The Service further reported that concealment methods were employed in the shipment of some of the items.
The NCS indicated that the intercepted goods are suspected to be in breach of applicable customs, import control, and drug-related laws and regulations in force in Nigeria. It also confirmed that arrests were made in connection with the interceptions and that the suspects are currently under investigation.
The Service stated that the seizures were carried out pursuant to its statutory enforcement powers and that further investigative and prosecutorial steps, if any, will proceed in accordance with due process under applicable law.
What Next:
– Ongoing investigation by the Nigeria Customs Service in collaboration with relevant agencies.
– Any prosecution or forfeiture proceedings will be initiated in accordance with applicable customs and drug control laws.
– No court proceedings have been concluded as of the date of this report.
