NDLEA seizes codeine shipments worth N9.8bn from India

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced on Friday that its operatives seized a significant shipment of codeine syrup at the Onne ports in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

NDLEA said the seized shipment comprises seven containers holding over 1.2 million bottles, with an estimated value of N9.835 billion.

According to a statement issued by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, the agency said: “The latest seizure made on Thursday 18th July 2024 is the fourth and last set of such consignments that have been under the watchlist of the agency’s Maritime Special Operations Unit Targeting Team, which worked in partnership with the Port Harcourt Ports Command of the agency and other security agencies.

“The agencies included the Nigeria Customs Service for a 100 percent joint examination of the targeted containers.

“This followed credible intelligence and months of diligent tracking of the consignments from their port of departure.

“At the joint examination of the containers with other security agencies on Thursday, all seven containers were found bearing a total of 8,774 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup, with 1,229,400 bottles weighing 184,410 kilograms.

“A breakdown of the shipments that came from India via the Maersk Vigo Vessel shows that the container marked SEKU 6439421 has 875 cartons with 175,000 bottles of codeine weighing 26,250kg.

“Other items in the container include 70 cartons of chilli cutters and 55 cartons of Hyregra tablets weighing 1,100 kg.

“Another container marked CMAU 9410422 contains 875 cartons of codeine with 175,000 bottles weighing 26,250 kg.

“Other items in the container include 15 cartons of chilli cutters and 60 cartons of Hyregra tablets weighing 1,200 kg.

“Also, the container marked TLLU 7595503 has a total of 1,754 cartons of codeine syrup, containing 179,400 bottles weighing 26,910kg.

“Four other containers marked: TRHU 515117; CMAU 7877125; CMAU 8533700; and CMAU 3882205 contain 175,000 bottles of the same substance each, in addition to other items such as chilli cutters, cartons of Hyregra tablets, and diclofenac used to mask the shipments.”

As previously reported by Persecondnews, NDLEA operatives had a major seizure three weeks ago at the Port Harcourt Ports complex in Onne.

It confiscated 6,125 cartons of codeine syrup with a street value of over N7.35 billion, equivalent to 1,050,000 bottles.

Reacting to the latest seizure, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, praised the agency’s officers, men, and women across various formations for their tireless efforts, unwavering vigilance, and unrelenting professionalism in tracking and intercepting the targeted containers over several months.

He also acknowledged the crucial support from port stakeholders, which ensured a seamless and successful operation.

He emphasized that the operation had significantly weakened the cartels, causing substantial financial losses and destabilizing their operational capacity and financial foundation.