By: Manoah Kikekon
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| The ceremonial hand over of the drugs by COMPTROLLER Edeldouk to Controller of Narcotics Ashiru Abdullahi. |
KIRIKIRI, LAGOS – In a major crackdown, the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted and handed over 2,858 cartons of expired and prohibited pharmaceuticals to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The seized drugs, including codeine-laced cough syrup with a staggering street value of **₦7 billion, were concealed in two suspicious containers.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Eghosa Joy Edeldouk, revealed that the command generated an unprecedented ₦89.2 billion in revenue between January and June 2025 a 63% surge compared to the same period in 2024 (₦54.8 billion). This remarkable growth highlights the command’s enhanced efficiency, stricter compliance, and intensified anti-smuggling operations.
Acting on intelligence, KLT Customs uncovered two 40-foot containers (HLBU 1067338 & HLBU 2239792) falsely declared as regular goods. Upon inspection, officials found expired and banned pharmaceuticals with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦130 million.
The containers were abandoned after smugglers suspected authorities were onto them. NDLEA’s Controller of Narcotics, Ashiru Abdullahi, commended the collaboration, emphasizing the danger posed by these expired drugs to public health.
Comptroller Edeldouk reaffirmed the command’s unyielding stance against smuggling, stressing transparency, accountability, and strict enforcement of customs laws. She warned that any attempt to compromise national security and public health will face the full wrath of the law.