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 Controller, Apapa Area Command, attributed the success to the Command's intelligence-led enforcement strategy and collaboration with the NDLEA. "This fresh seizure is a direct response to the CGC's charge on us. We are fully aligned with the Service's intelligence-led enforcement strategy and will continue to make Apapa Port extremely hostile to smugglers and drug traffickers," he said.

The seizure is also a testament to the effectiveness of technology-driven operations. The NCS has implemented a range of measures, including scanning technology and data analytics, to detect and prevent illicit trade.

The Apapa Command's latest victory is a significant milestone in the war on illicit trade, but it is only the beginning. As Comptroller Oshoba noted, "The Apapa Area Command remains steadfast in its resolve to protect public health, safeguard national security, and facilitate only legitimate trade."

The NCS and its partners must continue to work together to disrupt the supply chain of illicit goods and bring those responsible to justice. The global community has shown that it is possible to tackle the opioid crisis, and Nigeria is taking bold steps to join the fight.