In a significant operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 25 million pills of tapentadol and 350,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup at the Tincan Port Complex in Lagos.
The joint operation took place during the examination of containers in one of the port’s terminals.
Femi Babafemi, the spokesperson for the NDLEA, disclosed the seizures in a statement released on Sunday.
He highlighted that tapentadol, the drug in question, is three times more potent than tramadol, a widely misused opioid in Nigeria.
The interception occurred over two days—Tuesday, September 17, and Friday, September 20, 2024—when three containers, previously placed under surveillance by the NDLEA, were thoroughly examined.
Babafemi explained, “The NDLEA had requested a 100 per cent joint examination of the shipments with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, following processed intelligence.”
Babafemi detailed the street value of the seized drugs: “The 25 million pills of tapentadol are valued at N13.725 billion, while the 350,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup are worth N2.45 billion, bringing the total value of the seizures to N14.95 billion.”
The breakdown of the confiscated drugs includes 500 cartons of tapentadol pills, discovered in a container on September 17, alongside 175,000 bottles of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine, packed in 875 cartons.
Two days later, on September 20, another container was found to contain 175,000 bottles of CSC cough syrup with codeine.
This joint effort between the NDLEA and the NCS underscores the agencies’ determination to curb the inflow of illicit substances into Nigeria.
Babafemi reaffirmed the commitment of both agencies to tackling drug trafficking, which continues to pose significant health and security risks to the nation.
