The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted prohibited and restricted goods worth about N43.5 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos.
The items, handed over to relevant government agencies on Thursday, included 7,624kg of cannabis, 169,998 bottles of codeine syrup, 100 high-definition dual-camera drones and several expired products.
Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi said the seizures were made during intelligence-led operations targeting illegal imports and smuggling. He explained that criminals often hide prohibited goods inside legitimate consignments or declare restricted equipment as ordinary products to avoid detection.
The seized drones were imported without the required security approvals, while the expired goods included tomato ketchup, antiseptic liquids, disposable nappies and vaginal tablets, which Customs warned could pose serious health risks.
The narcotics were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), while the illicit and expired pharmaceutical products were handed over to NAFDAC for further action.
Adeniyi said the Customs Service would continue working with security agencies and international partners to prevent Nigerian ports from becoming entry points for prohibited goods.
