Customs hands over N43.5bn seized drugs, drones, expired goods in Lagos
Nigeria Customs Service Seizes Narcotics, Drones, and Expired Products Valued at N43.5 Billion
LAGOS — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has turned over a cache of intercepted narcotics, controlled pharmaceuticals, drones, and expired products worth N43.5 billion to relevant government agencies. The transfer took place on Thursday at the Apapa Port.
Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi presented the seized narcotics to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), while the controlled and expired pharmaceutical products were handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
During the handover ceremony, Adeniyi emphasized the NCS’s role extends beyond revenue collection, highlighting its duty in securing the supply chain, safeguarding Nigeria’s borders, and ensuring that imported goods do not pose risks to national security or public health.
He noted that there is an increasing trend of criminal networks attempting to transport narcotics, restricted equipment, and expired goods disguised as legitimate consignments through false declarations and organized syndicates operating at ports.
The Comptroller-General described various concealment methods employed by traffickers, including hiding narcotics in vehicles, beneath household items, and mislabeling restricted equipment as ordinary electronic devices.
Adeniyi stated that the NCS has significantly enhanced its cargo-targeting capabilities over the past three years by implementing profiling and risk assessment techniques, as well as utilizing an integrated platform to improve trade data management across Customs commands nationwide.
He disclosed the establishment of an INTERPOL Data Centre in Abuja in July 2023, which grants Nigeria access to over 152 international security databases, further strengthening the country’s capabilities in combating illicit trade.
Recent interceptions by the NCS included 11 containers containing three major categories of prohibited items. The first category comprised 15,245 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 7,624 kilograms, concealed within three containers, alongside 169,998 bottles of codeine syrup hidden among household goods.
The second category included 100 high-definition dual-camera drones that were imported without the necessary approvals. Adeniyi warned that such drones could be misused for unauthorized surveillance and criminal activities if they fell into the wrong hands.
The third category contained expired products, including tomato ketchup, antiseptic liquids, disposable diapers, and vaginal tablets, which pose a significant health risk to consumers.
Additionally, the NCS seized 1,282 bales of used clothing, 148 bags of foreign parboiled rice, lithium batteries, and food products which were found hidden with the illicit consignments.
Adeniyi reiterated that all drones and security-sensitive equipment must have end-user certificates and appropriate security approvals prior to lawful importation. He cautioned that unauthorized imports would be detained and handed over to the respective government agencies for further action.
The Comptroller-General commended the efforts of the Apapa Command officers, NDLEA, and various local and international partners for their collaboration in disrupting illicit trade. He called on the media to continue highlighting individuals and networks that undermine legitimate commerce and jeopardize national security.
He also advised importers to utilize the Advanced Ruling and Authorized Economic Operator programs to ensure compliance with import regulations and facilitate legitimate trade, affirming that Nigerian ports will not be allowed to serve as conduits for prohibited or illicit goods.
In a related statement, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller for the Apapa Command, underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration and accountability in safeguarding national security and fostering economic prosperity. He assured continued alignment with the Comptroller-General’s policies while maintaining professionalism and diligence in facilitating legitimate trade.
