Customs confiscate illicit drugs on Lagos-Ibadan expressway
The acting Head of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, stated that the agency confiscated 4,252 sacks of imported parboiled rice, 299 cartons of codeine syrup, and 5,600 liters of Premium Motor Spirit, among other items, at various locations in Lagos and Ogun States.

Speaking to reporters at the Federal Operations Unit Zone A in Ikeja on Wednesday, Adeniyi mentioned that these seizures occurred within a two-week period in August.

He disclosed that the illicit drugs were intercepted at the Ijebu Ode junction.

“Last week, officers of the Federal Operating Unit Zone A, acting on credible intelligence, stopped a DAF truck close to Ijebu-Ode Junction. An examination of the truck revealed the concealment of 299 cartons of codeine syrup along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway,” he explained.

He expressed his concern that despite the adverse effects of removing fuel subsidies on the economy, smugglers still make efforts to illegally transport petrol across the border.

He stated, “The following seizures of both items were recorded: a total of 4,252 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50 kg each at Dangote/Imashayi Ogun State, Saki Axis Oyo State, Owode/Ado Odo in Ogun State, Idiroko/Ohumbe Ogun State, Okoko Mile 2 area in Lagos State and Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State.

“Similarly, 5,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit were intercepted and seized when smugglers attempted to takeout these strategic resources through the Oja-Odan area of Ogun State.” he continued.

The head of the NCS added that the smuggling of rice undermines the country’s revenue and jeopardizes its food security.

“Other items seized in the last two weeks include 291 bales of second-hand clothing comprising 57 sacks and four jumbo sacks of used shoes, 486 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products, 190 pieces of rugs, five units of vehicles and 170 pieces of used tyres,” he further stated.

He emphasized that the misuse of codeine syrup, primarily by young individuals, can lead to long-term issues such as anxiety, depression, memory impairment, and harm to the liver, kidneys, and brain.

Additionally, he noted that the confiscation of used tires would help reduce vehicle accidents caused by illegally smuggled used tires.

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