By Helen Udo ,Abuja -NIGERIA.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted 13 containers laden with contraband goods valued at over ₦6.38 billion at Apapa Port in Lagos.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed the seizure during a press briefing held at APM Terminals in Apapa, describing it as a major success of the Service’s intelligence-driven enforcement strategy.
According to him, the seizures were made possible through the deployment of advanced cargo scanning technology and enhanced intelligence gathering aimed at identifying high-risk consignments.
Adeniyi explained that the initiative forms part of the Service’s modernisation agenda designed to strengthen port surveillance while facilitating faster clearance for compliant traders.
He noted that as trade volumes through Nigerian ports continue to increase, the responsibility of the Customs Service to safeguard national borders and regulate imports has become even more critical.
The Customs boss emphasised that while the agency remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade, it will not allow criminal networks to exploit the ports to import dangerous or prohibited items.
Items discovered in the seized containers included large quantities of expired pharmaceutical products and unregistered drugs which pose serious risks to public health.
The seizures also comprised 800 cartons of codeine-based products that were concealed inside sanitary wares in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
Other items intercepted included cannabis, restricted security equipment and expired food products, all of which are prohibited under existing import regulations.
Adeniyi warned that the importation of expired drugs and controlled substances constitutes a serious threat to both public health and national security.
He added that under the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the seized consignments are liable to forfeiture, while all individuals linked to the shipments will face prosecution and the recovery of any evaded government revenue.
