According to customs officials, the banned pharmaceutical products were discovered during a routine inspection at the Apapa Port in Lagos, following credible intelligence that led officers to the suspicious shipment. The seizure included thousands of cartons of codeine-based cough syrup that had been illegally imported into the country.
Codeine syrup, which is often abused as a recreational drug, was banned in Nigeria after widespread misuse among youths. Authorities say traffickers continue to attempt smuggling the substance into the country due to its high demand in the black market.
A spokesperson for the Nigeria Customs Service stated that the operation reflects the agency’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from dangerous and illicit substances. He added that the intercepted shipment would have posed a serious threat to public health if it had made its way into the market
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“The Nigeria Customs Service remains vigilant in monitoring the nation’s borders and ports to prevent the importation of prohibited substances. This seizure demonstrates our determination to combat drug abuse and illegal trade,” the official said.
The Customs Service also warned importers and smugglers to stay away from illegal activities, stressing that anyone caught violating the law will face the full weight of prosecution.
Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for the shipment, while the seized codeine syrup will be handed over to the appropriate agencies for further action.
The latest interception highlights the growing efforts by Nigerian authorities to curb the influx of illicit drugs and tackle the rising problem of substance abuse across the country.
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