Nigerian Customs Seize Large Shipment of Illicit Drugs Worth N13.5 Billion

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Area II Command, Onne, Rivers State, have intercepted a significant shipment of illicit drugs valued at N13.5 billion in duty-paid value. The seizure, which included 20 containers filled with various pharmaceutical products, was announced by the outgoing Controller of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede.

According to Comptroller Babandede, the seized containers held a substantial quantity of codeine syrup, extra Diclofenac tablets, benzhexol tablets, Analgin injections, and laboratory equipment, among other items. The products, which were imported from India, had been concealed as regular imports such as food items, household goods, and used clothing. This deception posed a significant threat to public health, as the influx of counterfeit and substandard medicines can have devastating consequences.

The interception of these illicit drugs is a notable achievement in the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing efforts to combat the trade of counterfeit and substandard pharmaceuticals. The Comptroller-General of Customs and the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had previously visited the Onne Command, where they intercepted and handed over containers of illicit medicine to NAFDAC. This recent seizure reinforces the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to protecting public health and safety.

The Onne Command’s dedication to combating illicit trade has yielded significant results, including the generation of N859 billion in revenue between May 2024 and July 2025. The command’s vigilance and efforts to intercept illicit shipments have contributed substantially to the country’s revenue and public health initiatives.

The seizure of these illicit drugs serves as a reminder of the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies to combat the trade of counterfeit and substandard pharmaceuticals. The Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to protecting public health and safety is evident in its ongoing efforts to intercept and seize illicit shipments, and this recent achievement is a testament to the command’s dedication to this critical mission.