Apapa Command's Latest Victory in the War on Illicit Trade: A $3.4 Billion Blow to Smugglers
By Lod Onyeji The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command has struck again, seizing $3.4 billion worth of Codeine syrup, a potent opioid, in a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). This latest victory is a testament to the Command's unwavering commitment to suppressing smuggling and protecting public health. According to data, Nigeria is one toke away from becoming one of the largest consumers of opioids in Africa, with over 4.3 million people using opioids in 2022 alone. The Apapa Command's seizure is a significant blow to the illicit trade, which has ravaged communities and fueled organized crime. In the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported a 30% increase in opioid-related overdose deaths between 2019 and 2020. Similarly, in Australia, the Australian Border Force seized over 1.5 million doses of Codeine in 2022, highlighting the global nature of the problem. Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the Customs Area ...
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