The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted seven containers carrying 1,229,400 bottles of codeine worth N9.8 billion at the Onne Ports in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
This seizure occurred just three weeks after the agency intercepted 6,125 cartons of codeine syrup worth N7.35 billion at the same port.
Femi Babafemi, the agency’s spokesperson, stated, “This is the fourth and last set of such consignments that have been under the watch list of the Agency’s Maritime Special Operations Unit Targeting Team.”
The latest seizure took place on Thursday, July 18, 2024. Babafemi explained, “During a joint examination with other security agencies, seven containers were found to contain 8,774 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup, totalling 1,229,400 bottles and weighing 184,410 kilograms.”
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He noted that the shipments originated from India via the Maersk Vigo Vessel. One container marked SEKU 6439421 held 175,000 bottles of codeine weighing 26,250 kg. Other items in the container included 70 cartons of chili cutters and 55 cartons of Hyregra tablets. Another container marked CMAU 9410422 contained 175,000 bottles of codeine and similar items. Four other containers held 175,000 bottles each, along with other products used to disguise the shipments.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd) praised the agency’s officers and other stakeholders at the ports for their diligence and professionalism.
“The operation, which has inflicted heavy losses on the cartels behind the shipments, has further degraded their capacity and financial base,” Babafemi added.