Customs seize N1.06bn illicit drugs
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a consignment of illicit drugs valued at N1.06 billion, reportedly bound for the South-East. Customs authorities said the shipment was linked to a yet-to-be-identified drug cartel and was intended for distribution across the region. The seizure was made during […]
adewale adeniyi (comptroller general of customs)
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a consignment of illicit drugs valued at N1.06 billion, reportedly bound for the South-East.
Customs authorities said the shipment was linked to a yet-to-be-identified drug cartel and was intended for distribution across the region.
The seizure was made during a targeted operation based on credible intelligence. Operatives reportedly flagged down the consignment along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin City, Edo State, where a search revealed the illegal substances concealed among legitimate goods in a bid to evade detection.
The Controller of FOU Zone C, Comptroller Bishir Balogun, confirmed the interception, stating that the consignment comprised 1,025,000 tablets of Tramadol and 10,000 bottles of Barcadin Codeine syrup.
Balogun said the driver attempted to evade arrest when the vehicle was stopped but later abandoned it and fled into a nearby bush.
“A subsequent search revealed the drugs were cleverly concealed among legitimate goods to beat security checks. The seized consignment has a Duty Paid Value of N1.056 billion,” he said.
He noted that the operation underscored the Service’s commitment to curbing the smuggling of prohibited substances such as Tramadol and Codeine, which fuel drug abuse and crime.
Balogun warned smugglers and criminal networks to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the NCS would continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies to safeguard public health and national security.
The seized drugs are currently in custody, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend those responsible.