The Nigeria Customs Service, Area II Command, Onne, Rivers State, has intercepted 20 containers loaded with illicit and counterfeit drugs valued at over ₦13.5 billion.
Outgoing Controller of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, disclosed this during a press briefing in Onne on Wednesday, where the seized containers were displayed before journalists.
According to Babandede, the containers were packed with 1,195,400 bottles of codeine syrup, 3.2 million tablets of extra diclofenac, 3.5 million benzhexol tablets, 2.6 million analgin injection packages, as well as cartons of expired artemac injections and laboratory equipment.
He explained that the consignments, which originated from India, were disguised as household goods and industrial items such as ceiling fans, plumbing materials, used clothes, vegetable oil, and even farm tools.
“Some of these drugs, such as codeine syrup and tramadol, are commonly abused for their euphoric effects. Misuse without prescription often leads to addiction, dependence, and even criminal behaviour,” Babandede said.
He noted that the seizure reflected the service’s intensified collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to combat fake and substandard medicines that endanger public health.
“This interception demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerians. The total dedication of my officers to duty made this success possible,” he added.
Babandede officially handed over the leadership of the command to his successor, Comptroller Aliyu Alkali, during the event.
The announcement came just a day after the command reported generating ₦859 billion in revenue between May 2024 and July 2025, while also confiscating contraband worth ₦200 billion within the same period.