Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR inspects cartons of the seized codeine tablets.

Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has given details of how the Tin Island Command of the Service headed by Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni seized large quantities of Indian Hemp (Cannabis Indica) and the prohibited codeine tablets at the country’s second biggest seaport, located in Lagos.

Speaking in Lagos, Friday when he inspected the contraband items, the Comptroller General disclosed that the Indian Hemp, weighing 1,072kg wrapped in 2, 144 packs, loaded in three chemical plastic drums and concealed in one 40-foot container no. GAOU 669921/5imported from Canada. The approximate street value of the illicit substances is N3, 216,000,000.00.

CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (4th from right) addressing the media while Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni (5th from right) looks on.

According to him, a total of 877 cartons of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine containing 200 bottles of 100ml per carton and 82 cartons of Really Extra Diclofenac Sodium 50mg tablets, comprising 600 packs per carton was imported from India with approximate street value of N964, 339,348.

The CG, who commended the Area Controller, Comptroller Nnadi and the operatives of the command on the anti-smuggling feat, described the seizures as a troubling trend indicating an evolving tactics of criminality and insecurity in the country.

“Codeine, a restricted drug in Nigeria, has been widely abused, leading to devastating effects on our youths. This substance not only impairs the health and well-being of individuals but also contributes to the rise in criminal activities. Cannabis Indica (Indian Hemp), similarly, has become a significant concern, with its abuse leading to mental health issues, addiction, and social problems. Unchecked activities involving restricted items serve multiple purposes for criminal elements.

“These drugs are often used as stimulants by criminals, further fueling societal unrest and instability even as the proceeds from the illicit drug trade also finance disruptions by non-state actors, posing a significant threat to national security.

“We urge all patriotic Nigerians to continue their legitimate business activities and be rest assured that the NCS is actively working with stakeholders to ease the challenges faced by businesses and the general public at the ports and border stations”, the CGC said.

While lamenting the misuse and abuse of drugs, particularly Cannabis Indica and codeine, which pose severe dangers to the Nigerian society, the Customs-boss disclosed that Customs would stop at nothing in exploring bilateral relations and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with foreign nations to curb smuggling in the country.

He further assured that the Service under his watch would continue to work closely with relevant national and international agencies to conduct operations that lead to the interception of illegal goods and the disruption of criminal networks.