Customs Intercepts Expired Drugs, Codeine and Security Gear Worth ₦6.38bn at Apapa Port

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 13 containers filled with expired drugs, codeine syrup, restricted security equipment and other prohibited items valued at about ₦6.38 billion at Apapa Port in Lagos.

The seizure was announced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, during a press briefing held at APM Terminals in Apapa.

Intelligence-Led Operation

According to Adeniyi, the interception followed a series of intelligence-driven enforcement operations conducted by the Apapa Area Command.

He explained that customs officials used a combination of cargo scanning technology, detailed risk assessment, and targeted physical inspections to identify suspicious consignments.

These efforts led to the discovery of several containers loaded with prohibited and expired items attempting to enter the Nigerian market.

Expired Pharmaceutical Products Seized

Among the items recovered were large quantities of expired pharmaceutical products, including cold and pain medications.

Customs officers discovered expired Mixagrip cold caplets, Ladinax tablets, chloroquine injections, and diclofenac tablets inside some of the containers.

Authorities also found large quantities of Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate, substances commonly associated with erectile dysfunction medication.

The Comptroller-General warned that expired or improperly imported medicines pose serious risks to public health.

Codeine Hidden in Household Goods

In a particularly notable discovery, officers uncovered 800 cartons of codeine syrup concealed inside toilet cisterns and sanitary ware.

Another container was found carrying 1,700 cartons of codeine cough syrup hidden among luxury food flasks.

Additionally, a separate container contained 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine, which had been concealed within cartons of electric kettles.

Officials described the concealment as a deliberate attempt to evade detection while smuggling controlled substances into the country.

Security Equipment Also Recovered

During the inspection, customs officers also discovered restricted security equipment in some of the containers.

Items seized included bulletproof vests, protective helmets, walkie-talkies, and tactical torches.

Authorities noted that the importation of certain security gear requires special permits and authorisation, which were not provided for the seized consignments.

Expired Food Items Discovered

Beyond pharmaceuticals and security equipment, customs officers also found several containers carrying expired food products.

These included muffin cookie biscuits, 36,000 cans of expired Primo energy drinks, and containers of expired tomato paste branded St. Kelvin and De Truth.

Officials said such products pose potential health risks if allowed to enter the Nigerian consumer market.

Cannabis Hidden in Vehicle

The operation also uncovered 13 jumbo bags of Cannabis Sativa weighing approximately 347.57 kilograms.

The illegal substance was discovered hidden inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle that had been loaded within one of the containers.

Authorities believe the concealment method was intended to avoid detection during routine cargo checks.

Total Value of Seizures

According to Adeniyi, the total estimated value of all seized items is ₦6,381,237,988.

He emphasized that the importation of expired medicines and controlled substances represents a major threat to public health and national security.

“The importation of expired medicines and controlled substances poses a serious threat to public health,” he said.

Customs Expanding Port Surveillance

The Customs chief also revealed plans to expand non-intrusive cargo inspection technology at major ports across Nigeria before the end of 2026.

Ports expected to benefit from the expansion include:

• Apapa Port

• Tin Can Island Port

• Port Harcourt Port

• Onne Port

• Calabar Port

Adeniyi explained that expanding cargo scanning systems will improve enforcement efficiency, reduce delays at the ports, and facilitate legitimate trade.

Warning to Importers

The Customs boss warned that Nigeria’s ports will no longer serve as channels for illegal imports.

He urged traders and importers to comply fully with import regulations and participate in the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, which allows trusted companies to enjoy faster cargo clearance.

According to him, the seized goods are liable to forfeiture under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, and individuals linked to the shipments may face prosecution.

Adeniyi also reassured legitimate traders that the enforcement actions are targeted at criminal networks attempting to exploit Nigeria’s ports rather than businesses that comply with the law.