By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has uncovered 13 containers loaded with expired pharmaceuticals, codeine-based products, cannabis and other prohibited items with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦6.38 billion at Apapa Port.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced the seizures during a press briefing on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at APM Terminals Apapa.
He described the operation as a major success resulting from the Service’s intelligence-led enforcement strategy and the deployment of advanced cargo inspection technologies.
Adeniyi explained that expanding scanning technology remains a key component of the Service’s modernisation agenda. According to him, the initiative allows Customs officers to focus physical inspections on high-risk shipments while ensuring faster clearance for compliant traders across major commands.
He noted that as the volume of trade through Nigeria’s ports continues to rise, the responsibility of the NCS has become even greater.
“While our mandate requires us to facilitate legitimate trade, we must also ensure that our ports are not exploited by criminal networks attempting to introduce dangerous, prohibited or falsely declared goods into the country,” he said.
The intercepted consignments included large quantities of expired pharmaceutical products, unregistered drugs, 800 cartons of codeine concealed inside sanitary wares, cannabis, restricted security equipment and expired food items.
The Customs boss warned that the importation of expired drugs and controlled substances poses serious risks to public health and national security.
“Let me state clearly that Apapa Port is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade documentation,” Adeniyi stated.
He added that in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the seized consignments are liable to outright forfeiture, while penalties will be imposed, evaded revenues recovered and all persons linked to the shipments will face prosecution.
