Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have made a significant interception, seizing a large batch of seven containers carrying a staggering 1,229,400 bottles of codeine syrup. The seized consignment, valued at ₦9.8 billion, was confiscated at the Onne Ports.
This comes merely three weeks after the agency seized another substantial haul of 6,125 cartons of the same product, containing 1,050,000 bottles with a street value of ₦7.35 billion, at the Port Harcourt Ports complex in Onne, Rivers State.
The latest seizure, which occurred on Thursday, July 18, 2024, marks the culmination of months of strategic surveillance and diligent efforts by the NDLEA’s Maritime Special Operations Unit Targeting Team. This unit worked in collaboration with the Port Harcourt Ports Command of the agency and other security forces, including the Customs Service, to conduct a 100 percent joint examination of the flagged containers.
A detailed statement issued by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, on Friday, emphasized the meticulous planning and credible intelligence that led to this successful operation. Babafemi noted that the joint examination of the containers, conducted with other security agencies, revealed all seven containers were loaded with 8,774 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup. This massive quantity comprised a total of 1,229,400 bottles, collectively weighing 184,410 kilograms.
The breakdown of the shipments, which originated from India aboard the Maersk Vigo Vessel, provided a clearer picture of the scale of the operation. For instance, the container marked SEKU 6439421 contained 875 cartons with 175,000 bottles of codeine syrup, weighing 26,250 kilograms. Additionally, this container held 70 cartons of chili cutters and 55 cartons of Hyregra tablets, weighing 1,100 kilograms.
Another container, marked CMAU 9410422, similarly held 875 cartons of codeine syrup, with an equivalent 175,000 bottles weighing 26,250 kilograms. This container also included 15 cartons of chili cutters and 60 cartons of Hyregra tablets, with a combined weight of 1,200 kilograms. The container marked TLLU 7595503 stood out with a total of 1,754 cartons of codeine syrup, containing 179,400 bottles and weighing 26,910 kilograms.
Furthermore, four additional containers—marked TRHU 515117, CMAU 7877125, CMAU 8533700, and CMAU 3882205—each contained 175,000 bottles of codeine syrup. These containers also included other items such as chili cutters, Hyregra tablets, and diclofenac, which were likely used to obscure the illicit shipment.
Reacting to the significant seizure, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, praised the relentless efforts and professionalism exhibited by the officers and personnel involved in the operation. He commended the officers for their vigilance and dedication over the months spent tracking these shipments. Marwa also acknowledged the crucial support from other stakeholders at the ports, which facilitated the smooth execution of the operation.
General Marwa underscored that this operation has dealt a severe blow to the drug cartels responsible for these shipments, substantially impairing their operational and financial capacities. This achievement not only highlights the NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug trafficking but also serves as a deterrent to other criminal networks.
This operation signifies a major triumph for the NDLEA and reinforces the agency’s unwavering dedication to ridding the nation of illicit drugs. As the agency continues its efforts, it remains vigilant and resolute in its mission to safeguard public health and safety from the scourge of drug trafficking.
