Customs Intercepts 299 Cartons of Codeine Syrup and Other Goods

Joyce Mmereole Okoli

The Acting Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said that his officers has intercepted 299 cartons of codeine syrup, 5,600 liters of petrol and 4,252 bags of foreign parboiled rice among other.

The custom boss disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Lagos.

The controller draws attention to danger surrounding the use of illicit drugs. He however assured of commitment of the service to curb the illicit trade of drugs within the borders.

“As part of our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our society and protecting the well-being of our citizens, the NCS has once again demonstrated its dedication to eradicating the menace of drug trafficking.

“Last week officers of the Federal Operating Unit Zone A, acting on credible intelligence, flagged down a DAF truck close to Ijebu-Ode Junction. An examination of the truck revealed the concealment of 299 cartons of codeine syrup along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

“NCS is yet again drawing national attention to the danger posed by unrestricted access to the use dangerous drugs. Codeine syrup is designated as a controlled item due to its rampant abuse by our delinquent youth.

“ The misuse and illicit distribution of codeine-containing medications have given rise to grave security and public health concerns, contributing to a surge in addiction, adverse health effects, and societal challenges. In response, regulatory measures have been implemented to curb its availability and unrestricted access.

“This underscores the importance of addressing this issue as part of broader efforts to safeguard public health and well-being.

“On our part we will continue to partner with the NDLEA and other relevant government agencies to curb the spread of the menace and protect the future generations of Nigerians”, he said.

The Ag. CGC informed that a larger space have been acquired to move both the officers and seized items from Zone A as the one using is no longer big to accommodate all.

“ We have acquired a place to transfer all seized vehicles. It is going to be a one stop location. There is no more space here again.

“When we leave Ikeja Zone, we will make a better usage of these warehouse to avoid creating unnecessary nuisance that the items have caused.

“The new site project has started and in three months time we will move the entire operations from here to the new location”, he opined.