The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized seven containers carrying over 1.2 million bottles of codeine syrup worth N9.8 billion at the Onne ports.
According to a statement by the NDLEA, the shipment was intercepted on Thursday, July 18, 2024, following months of surveillance and intelligence gathering. The containers, which arrived from India via the Maersk Vigo Vessel, were found to contain 8,774 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup, weighing 184,410 kilograms.
This is the fourth and final set of consignments targeted by the NDLEA’s Maritime Special Operations Unit, in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies.
The agency’s Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers involved in the operation for their diligence and professionalism, stating that the seizure has dealt a significant blow to the cartels behind the shipments, degrading their capacity and financial base.
This latest bust comes just three weeks after the NDLEA seized 6,125 cartons of codeine syrup worth N7.3 billion at the same port.
“The agency’s efforts have resulted in a significant reduction in the availability of codeine and other opioids in the country, and the NDLEA remains committed to disrupting the supply chain of illicit drugs,” Marwa said.
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