Codeine Syrup, ‘Loud’ Consignments Worth over N2.1b Intercepted at Lagos, Port Harcourt Ports

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of large consignments of codeine-based syrup and a synthetic strain of cannabis, popularly known as "Loud," with an estimated street value of about N2.2 billion at the Port Harcourt and Lagos ports.

The seizure was made known by the Customs Area Controllers of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone 'A' in Onne, Rivers State, and FOU Zone 'C' in Ikeja, Lagos State, during separate press briefings.

At the Port Harcourt port, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ibrahim Abdulahi, disclosed that his team intercepted 300 drums of suspected codeine-laced syrup with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N500 million. He further stated that the seizure was made following intelligence reports and surveillance activities by the unit.

The seized codeine syrup was concealed in 20ft containers with the following numbers: PX 365588/8; PX 365588/9; PX 365588/10; PX 365588/11; PX 365588/12; PX 365588/13; PX 365588/14; PX 365588/15; PX 365588/16; PX 365588/17; PX 365588/18; PX 365588/19; PX 365588/20; PX 365588/21; PX 365588/22; PX 365588/23; PX 365588/24; PX 365588/25; PX 365588/26; PX 365588/27; PX 365588/28; PX 365588/29; PX 365588/30.

In a related development, the Customs Area Controller of FOU Zone 'C' in Ikeja, Lagos State, Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba, disclosed that his team intercepted 30 bags of cannabis popularly known as "Loud," with a DPV of N700 million. The cannabis was concealed in a 40ft container with the number MRKU 878333/8.

The Customs spokesperson, Joseph Attah, confirmed the seizures and stated that investigations were ongoing to ascertain the ownership and the individuals behind the illicit trade. He further stated that the seized items would be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for destruction.

Codeine is a prescription drug used to treat mild to moderate pain and cough. However, it is often abused by mixing it with drinks or beverages to get high. The production and distribution of codeine syrup without a prescription is illegal in Nigeria.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant. It is commonly used for recreational or medicinal purposes. However, its use is regulated due to its psychoactive effects and potential for addiction.

The interception of these illicit items is a significant achievement for the Nigerian Customs Service in its efforts to curb the illegal trade of drugs and other prohibited items in the country. The seizures also underscore the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement agencies to combat the illicit trade in Nigeria.