The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted seven containers carrying 1,229,400 bottles of Codeine worth over N9.8 billion from India at the Onne ports in Rivers State. This seizure follows the recent confiscation of 6,125 cartons of codeine syrup worth over N7.3 billion at the Port Harcourt Ports complex.
According to Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, the latest seizure on July 18 is part of a larger operation targeting consignments from India. The NDLEA, in collaboration with the Port Harcourt Ports Command and other security agencies, conducted a thorough joint examination of the containers.
The joint examination revealed 8,774 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup, weighing 184,410 kilograms. The shipments, arriving via the Maersk Vigo Vessel, included additional items like chilli cutters and hyregra tablets used to mask the codeine.
NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa commended the officers for their diligence and professionalism. He emphasized that the operation has significantly impacted the financial base and capacity of the cartels involved in these shipments.
