Customs Intercepts N4.2 Bn Worth Of Illicit Drugs At Lagos Port

• NCS intercepted N4.2 billion worth of illicit drugs, including cannabis indica and codeine cough syrup, at Tin-Can Island port
• CGC Wale Adeniyi highlighted NCS’s vigilance in disrupting criminal activities and urged Nigerians to engage in legitimate businesses

The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted approximately N4.2 billion worth of illicit drugs at the Tin-Can Island port in Lagos. These drugs, which were imported from Canada and India, consist of cannabis indica and a brand of codeine cough syrup containing substances suspected to be cocaine.

Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Wale Adeniyi briefed the press on the seizure at the Port and Cargo terminal in Lagos. He stated that the illicit drugs were carefully concealed in two containers. One container, imported from Canada, contained three plastic drums of cannabis indica, 46 bags with 2,144 packets of cannabis indica, weighing a total of 1,072 kilograms. The approximate street value of these substances is N3.22 billion.

The second seizure included 877 cartons of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine, each containing 200 bottles of 100ml per carton and 82 cartons of Really Extra Diclofenac Sodium 50mg tablets, with about 600 packs per carton. These items were imported from India, and the approximate street value of the cough syrup is N964.34 million.

“The approximate street value of the cough syrup is N964.34 million. This operation highlights a troubling trend and our country’s evolving tactics of criminality and insecurity. However, the NCS resolve to remain vigilant and showcase our ability to intercept and disrupt the activities of those who seek to harm our nation.

“The NCS will continue to work closely with relevant national and international agencies to conduct operations that lead to the interception of illegal goods and the disruption of criminal networks. We urge all patriotic Nigerians to continue their legitimate business activities, and we assure you that the NCS is actively working with stakeholders to ease the challenges faced by businesses and the general public,” he said.