NDLEA Intercepts ₦9.8bn Worth of Codeine Syrup at Onne Ports

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted another substantial shipment of codeine syrup at the Onne ports. This latest seizure involves seven containers carrying 1,229,400 bottles of codeine syrup, with an estimated street value of ₦9.8 billion.

This operation comes just three weeks after the NDLEA confiscated 6,125 cartons containing 1,050,000 bottles of codeine syrup worth ₦7.35 billion at the Port Harcourt Ports complex.

The latest interception, executed on Thursday, July 18, 2024, is the fourth and final consignment targeted by the NDLEA’s Maritime Special Operations Unit Targeting Team.

In collaboration with the Port Harcourt Ports Command and other security agencies, including the Customs Service, this team conducted a comprehensive examination of the containers.

Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, stated, “During the joint examination of the containers with other security agencies on Thursday, all seven containers were found to contain a total of 8,774 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup, equating to 1,229,400 bottles and weighing 184,410 kilograms.”

The shipments, originating from India via the Maersk Vigo Vessel, included:

• Container SEKU 6439421: 875 cartons, 175,000 bottles of codeine, weighing 26,250 kg, along with 70 cartons of chilli cutters and 55 cartons of Hyregra tablets weighing 1,100 kg.
• Container CMAU 9410422: 875 cartons, 175,000 bottles of codeine, weighing 26,250 kg, plus 15 cartons of chilli cutters and 60 cartons of Hyregra tablets weighing 1,200 kg.
• Container TLLU 7595503: 1,754 cartons, 179,400 bottles of codeine syrup, weighing 26,910 kg.
• Containers TRHU 515117, CMAU 7877125, CMAU 8533700, and CMAU 3882205: Each containing 175,000 bottles of codeine, along with items like chilli cutters, Hyregra tablets, and diclofenac to mask the shipments.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, praised the officers and the various formations of the agency involved in this months-long operation for their diligence, vigilance, and professionalism.

He also acknowledged the critical support from other port stakeholders, which was pivotal in the seamless execution of the operation.

Marwa noted that the seizure dealt a significant financial blow to the cartels behind the shipments, further degrading their operational capacity.