Drug Trafficking: Customs intercepts tramadol, pharmaceuticals worth N1.05bn

*The Nigerian Customs Service discloses its Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, Owerri, Imo State capital, intercepted tramadol capsules and other pharmaceutical products valued at about N1.05 billion along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin, Edo State capital

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to its latest intelligence-driven and coordinated enforcement operations, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone C, Owerri, Imo State capital, intercepted tramadol capsules and other pharmaceutical products valued at about N1.05 billion along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin, Edo State capital.

The NCS revealed this development in a statement to reporters Saturday, April 11, 2026.

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Comptroller Bashir Balogun, Customs Area Controller, FOU Zone C, in the statement affirmed the operatives made the seizure through intelligence-driven and coordinated enforcement operations.

Balogun stated the NCS operatives intercepted a truck conveying the contraband items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.05 billion.

The Customs Area Controller, FOU Zone C, also noted that the driver attempted to evade arrest when flagged down, but later abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby bush.

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The top official of the Service further explained that a thorough search of the truck revealed that the illicit drugs were concealed among legitimate goods in an attempt to evade detection.

The Controller said the operation underscored the Service’s commitment to curbing the smuggling of prohibited substances.

He said substances, such as tramadol and codeine, had contributed to drug abuse and criminal activities across Nigeria.

Balogun, however, warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities.

He emphasised that the NCS would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to safeguard public health and national security.

He as well revealed that the seized consignments would remain in the NCS custody, while investigations are ongoing with a move to arrest those behind the illegal shipment.

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