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Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has delivered a major blow to organized smuggling, with the seizure of 16 containers of contraband worth over N10 billion at the Apapa port.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who disclosed this at a press briefing at Apapa, stated that five suspects were arrested in the sweeping crackdown.
According to the Customs boss, the seizures were driven by intelligence-led, risk-based operations, reinforced by high-tech scanners to spot hidden cargoes.
The most dramatic haul came from a 40-foot container (MRSU6407089) jointly examined by Customs and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Initially cleared, a second inspection revealed 202 cans of potent Canadian cannabis “Colorado Loud” weighing 101kg — plus two pump-action rifles, 25 cartridges, a Smith & Wesson pistol, 55 rounds of ammunition, and assorted accessories. The Lagos-based consignee is now under investigation.
Other busts included seven containers of expired and prohibited pharmaceuticals, three of expired margarine, three of banned used clothing, two of unregistered expired tablets, and multiple shipments of frozen poultry – 1,290 sacks in one container and 1,296 in another.
Meanwhile, officers also uncovered a container carrying 305 cartons of counterfeit toothpaste concealed among garments and beads, violating both NAFDAC regulations and intellectual property rights.
Two additional 40-foot containers, linked to previous seizures and tracked over time, were intercepted on arrival, both loaded with codeine-based products. Authorities believe all are tied to a powerful smuggling syndicate.
Of the five suspects arrested, three have been charged and remanded, while two are on bail pending trial, while the Customs boss vowed that the Service, working with NAFDAC, NDLEA, and global enforcement partners, will hunt down and dismantle every network involved.
“Nigeria will never be a dumping ground for criminals or their deadly goods,” the Customs boss declared.
