By Helen Udo.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded one of its biggest anti-smuggling operations with the interception of nine containers loaded with narcotic drugs, expired pharmaceuticals and unregistered medicines at the Apapa Area Command, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦53.39 billion.
The seizures were announced by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during the formal handover of the narcotic drugs and expired pharmaceutical products to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to a speech delivered by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the seizures were the result of intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration.
According to the Customs boss, the operation reflects the agency’s renewed commitment to protecting society through effective border security, intelligence gathering and collaboration with local and international partners.
He noted that the operation aligns with resolutions reached during the recent World Customs Organization Council sessions, where member countries reaffirmed their commitment to protecting society through vigilance and international cooperation.
Adeniyi explained that the seizures were made possible through painstaking intelligence gathering, non-intrusive inspection technology, scanning analysis, physical examination and close collaboration with the NDLEA.
