Customs , INTERPOL, Others Strengthen Synergy On War Against Illicit Drugs Importation

By Roland Ekama 

 

 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday , July 1 2026 handed over narcotics and expired pharmaceutical products seized at its Apapa Area Command, underscoring strengthened international collaboration following recent engagements with the World Customs Organization (WCO), INTERPOL and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

Speaking at the handover ceremony , Comptroller-General of Customs , Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said the operation reflects outcomes of the 147th/148th WCO Council sessions in Brussels, where Customs administrations from 187 countries met under the theme “Customs Protecting the Society through Vigilance and Commitment.”

Adeniyi said those sessions deepened cooperation with global partners and reinforced intelligence-driven border management to protect public health and national security.

The Apapa seizures comprised nine interdictions uncovered through intelligence, Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) and joint work with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Officials listed the major finds as:

Cannabis consignments: a 1x40ft container (CAAU7569127) with 3,639 parcels (1,819.5 kg) of Cannabis Sativa concealed with vehicles and spare parts, and a 1x40ft container (HAMU3246311) containing 9,918 sachets (approximately 4.95 tonnes) similarly concealed.

Codeine syrup: two 1x40ft containers (MRKU3816476 and TGBU5399178) carrying a combined 339,800 bottles concealed with household items.

Expired pharmaceuticals: three 1x40ft containers (HASU4519480, MRKU4961275, PCIU8771576) carrying thousands of cartons of expired drugs including Tramadol, Oxytocin injections, Mexclor eye drops and Carbamazepine tablets.

Other seized consignments included a 1x20ft container (MRKU6964435) with Piccan Teething Powder and a 1x40ft container (TCKU7000791) with 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate capsules bearing a fake NAFDAC registration number.

The total Duty Paid Value of the nine seizures is ₦53,391,140,029.

The Customs top brass said the value “represents lives protected” and stressed the public-health danger posed by expired and unregistered medicines, noting that the CHACOLD shipment appeared legitimate until NAFDAC verification revealed falsified registration.

“In line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the narcotics will be formally handed to the NDLEA for investigation and prosecution, while expired and unregistered pharmaceuticals will go to NAFDAC for regulatory action and safe disposal. Non-prohibited accompanying goods will remain in NCS custody for seizure, forfeiture and other enforcement actions.” he affirmed.

Adeniyi commended Apapa officers and partner agencies for their professionalism and called for deeper collaboration with international partners, private sector stakeholders and domestic enforcement agencies to deny criminals access to Nigeria’s ports.

He said continued investment in intelligence, technology and coordinated border management is closing gaps previously exploited by smugglers.

The handover follows Nigeria’s recent participation at the WCO meeting in Brussels, where officials prioritized multilateral approaches to curb drug trafficking and protect communities—an outcome the NCS says is now being translated into operational results at home.

Also, , chairman ,the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig‑Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) praised the interagency collaboration and international support, particularly from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and vowed continued efforts to arrest, prosecute and confiscate assets of those behind the trafficking.