By Erewunmi Peace

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a major breakthrough in the fight against drug smuggling with the interception of 16 containers, 11 of which were found to contain illicit pharmaceutical products with a duty-paid value of ₦20.5 billion at the Onne Port in Rivers State.

The seizure was carried out by the Area II Command of the NCS in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Speaking to reporters, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, said the contraband drugs included codeine syrup, Reny Extra Diclofenac, Panadol (225mg), Trodon (5mg), Hyergra (200mg), Binsovo-G, and Basuka. These substances were hidden beneath legitimate goods such as ceiling fans, plumbing materials, vehicle parts, and even tins of tomato paste in an attempt to evade detection.

“The concealment method used by the importers was highly deceptive, but our joint task force under the November 2024 MoU remains vigilant,” Babandede said.

The operation was part of the inter-agency collaboration established to tighten surveillance at Nigeria’s entry points and prevent the circulation of unapproved, counterfeit, and harmful drugs.

He added that the successful interception highlights the growing capacity of Nigerian border authorities to protect public health and national security.

The containers and evidence are currently under further investigation, and those involved will be prosecuted in line with Nigerian law.