The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations, seizing 16 containers of illegal drugs and contraband valued at over ₦20.5 billion at Onne Port in Rivers State.
Speaking during a press conference in Port Harcourt, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, confirmed that the intercepted containers were packed with unapproved pharmaceuticals including Codeine syrup, Tramadol, and other controlled substances. The illicit items were cleverly disguised as regular imports such as tomato paste, plumbing supplies, and automobile parts in an attempt to evade detection.
Adeniyi emphasized that the successful operation was intelligence-driven and carried out in close collaboration with key agencies including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other security partners.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye commended Customs for the interception and confirmed that all seized pharmaceutical products will undergo thorough laboratory analysis to determine their composition and potential health risks.
This seizure, one of the largest in recent years, highlights the ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to curb the trafficking of harmful substances, disrupt criminal smuggling networks, and safeguard public health.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and those behind the smuggling ring will be brought to justice.
