Customs hands over N511.4m seized pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs to NDLEA, NAFDAC

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, at the weekend handed over seized pharmaceutical products and illicit drugs with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦511,400,000 to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and appropriate legal action.

The handover took place at the Unit’s headquarters over the weekend, in line with the respective statutory mandates of the receiving agencies.

The seized items comprised 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; 86 packs of polythene bags used to conceal the illicit drugs; and 57 cartons of codeine syrup.

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Two vehicles—a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna—and two male suspects, one in connection with each interception, were also handed over.

Speaking during the exercise, Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, who represented the Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, said the seizures resulted from sustained intelligence-driven operations along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within the Unit’s area of responsibility.

He explained that at approximately 1300hrs on Saturday, 10 October 2026, a patrol team acting on intelligence intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus conveying suspected illicit drugs concealed in polythene bags along the Lagos–Benin Expressway, around Ore in Ondo State. Subsequent examination and analysis by NDLEA officials confirmed the substances.

In a separate operation at approximately 1407hrs on 7 October 2026, officers intercepted another vehicle along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Examination of the vehicle revealed 57 cartons of assorted brands of codeine syrup.

Oguntuase stated that the handover underscored the Service’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration in combating drug trafficking, the smuggling of controlled substances and the circulation of unwholesome pharmaceutical products.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its mandate to protect the nation’s borders, safeguard public health and support national security. These seizures and the subsequent handover demonstrate the importance of cooperation among security and regulatory agencies in denying criminal elements the space to operate,” he said.

Receiving the illicit drug exhibits, a suspect and a vehicle on behalf of the Commander, NDLEA Lagos State Strategic Command, Deputy Commander of Narcotics Ganiyu Bolaji commended the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly FOU Zone ‘A’, for its commitment to inter-agency cooperation. He assured that the agency would handle the transferred exhibits and suspect in accordance with the law, while sustaining efforts to rid society of illicit drugs.

Similarly, Mrs Edith, Deputy Director in charge of Pharmaceuticals, who received the seized codeine syrup on behalf of NAFDAC’s Director of Enforcement, applauded the Unit for the interception and assured it of sustained collaboration in combating illicit and substandard pharmaceutical products.

The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to fight against economic saboteurs, including illicit drug trafficking and controlled pharmaceuticals, while facilitating legitimate businesses.