Customs Intercepts N5.9bn Stolen Cars, Codeine, Cosmetics From Canada

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday announced the interception of stolen vehicles from Canada, cosmetics, cough syrup, and other imported goods valued at N5.9bn.

Officials seized the containers at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos State.

During a press briefing, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, revealed that the stolen vehicles were concealed in a 40-foot container.

He explained that the vehicles comprised a 2024 model Lexus RX 450 with chassis number JTJCJNGA6R2017707 and a 2023 Lexus RX 350 with chassis number 2T2BAMCAPCO32741.

He said, “Container No. MRKU 0904594 (40 FT)” was found to contain two stolen vehicles from Canada.

He said, “A 2024 model Lexus RX 450 vehicle with chassis number JTJCJNGA6R2017707 and another 2023 Lexus RX 350 with chassis number 2T2BAMCAPCO32741 were falsely declared as food items.”

Olomu also disclosed that customs officers intercepted containers of cosmetics, used clothing, codeine syrup, and prohibited pharmaceutical products.

He said the seizures resulted from international collaboration and local partnerships, including with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

He said, “As a result of our painstaking efforts, we recently uncovered 6 containers laden with prohibited items, mostly unregistered pharmaceuticals.

“Other items in the seized containers are cosmetics, used clothing and two vehicles illegally imported into the country. These seizures are worth a total DPV of N3.2bn.”

The listed seizures included “Container No. SUDU 8685733 (40FT): Contained 1,698 RTPL CSC cough syrup bottles with codeine, concealed in 202 packages of water closets.

“Container No. MRSU 4846204 (40FT): Contained 1,690 cartons of codeine syrup, concealed in toilet seats. Both seizures have a combined street value of ₦2.7 billion.

Olomu further stated that Container No. ONEU 1153150 (40FT) was found to contain 1,584 packages of Globatin anti-marks and 30g Clobetasol cream, falsely declared as truck tyres.

According to him, Container No. MRSU 3258823 (40FT) contained rabeprazole for injection, 25mg Zahifranil tablets, 1000mg vancomycin hydrochloride, cyproheptadine with vitamin B complex, and other unregistered pharmaceutical products falsely declared as kitchen wares and tables.

He added that Container No. SEKU 4716830 (40FT) was found to contain 390 bales of used clothing, which contravenes the import prohibition law.

Olomu also revealed that the Command generated over N1tn in revenue before the end of May 2025.

“Let me use this briefing to inform you that having crossed the N1tn collection before the end of the 5th month, we have so far generated a total of N1.094 trillion as of 21 May 2025.

“For instance, in October 2024, we collected N18.2bn; on March 14, 2025, we recorded a feat of N18.9bn, and on 20th May 2025, we made another record-breaking collection of N18.92bn. All these were groundbreaking daily collections.

“This collection confirms our trajectory and laudable antecedent of meeting and surpassing our target. Like we’ve done before, we are ready to do better this year.

“Finally, let me use this briefing to warn that Apapa Port will remain a no-go area for any unlawful activity, and our officers are very much ready to uncover concealment and effect seizures or arrests where necessary.”

Customs Intercepts N5.9bn Stolen Cars, Codeine, Cosmetics From Canada is first published on The Whistler Newspaper