“The NCS Federal Operations Unit Zone attributed the seizures to intelligence-driven operations along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within the Unit’s area of responsibility”
Customs seizes N511.4m illicit drugs, averts public health risks
By Nudoiba Ojen
The Nigeria Customs Service has seized illicit drugs worth N511.4m in a move to avert the harmful effects of drug abuse and the circulation of unregulated pharmaceutical products in society.
The NCS Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, has consequently handed over the seized illicit drugs and pharmaceutical products with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦511.4m to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The seized items included 121 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 65.9kg, 100g of crystal methamphetamine, 400g of cocaine, 900g of ground synthetic cannabis, 4.3kg of hybrid cannabis and 57 cartons of codeine syrup.
Also handed over were 86 packs of polythene bags allegedly used to conceal the drugs, two vehicles and two male suspects.
Speaking during the handover exercise, on Friday, 16 October 2026, at the Unit’s headquarters along Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos, the Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, who represented the Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, attributed the seizures to intelligence-driven operations along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within the Unit’s area of responsibility.
Oguntuase said, “On 10 October 2026, a patrol team intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus conveying suspected illicit drugs concealed in polythene bags along the Lagos–Benin Expressway around Ore, Ondo State.
“In a separate operation on 7 October, officers intercepted another vehicle along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, where they discovered 57 cartons of assorted codeine syrup.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its mandate to protect the nation’s borders, safeguard public health and support national security.”
Receiving the exhibits on behalf of the Commander of NDLEA Lagos State Strategic Command, Deputy Commander of Narcotics Ganiyu Bolaji hailed Customs for its collaboration and assured that the transferred exhibits, suspect and vehicle would be handled in accordance with the law.
He said the agency would sustain its efforts to rid society of illicit drugs.
Similarly, NAFDAC’s Deputy Director in charge of Pharmaceuticals, Edith Joseph, who received the seized codeine syrup on behalf of the Director of Enforcement, applauded the Unit for the interception and pledged continued cooperation in tackling illicit and substandard pharmaceutical products.
