The Nigerian Customs Service intercepted nine containers loaded with illicit drugs, expired pharmaceuticals and fake medicines worth N53.39 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos.
The narcotics were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Wednesday, while the expired and unregistered pharmaceutical products were transferred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for regulatory action and disposal.
While handing over, Bashir Adeniyi, the comptroller-general of Customs, said the seizures were the outcome of intelligence gathering, cargo scanning, physical examination and collaboration with sister agencies.
“These seizures represent far more than monetary value. They represent lives protected, families preserved, communities secured and countless young Nigerians shielded from the devastating consequences of drug abuse and unsafe medicines,” Adeniyi said.
The seized cargo included nearly 6.8 tonnes of cannabis concealed alongside imported vehicles and household goods, about 339,800 bottles of codeine syrup hidden inside consignments of casserole dishes, as well as multiple containers of expired medicines, including tramadol, oxytocin injections, carbamazepine tablets and other pharmaceutical products.
