CUSTOMS BUSTS N3.95BN DRUG TRAFFICKING OPERATION, ARRESTS THREE SUSPECTS

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja, has intercepted illicit drugs and controlled substances estimated at N3.95bn in street value and arrested three suspects in connection with the seizures. The Customs Area Controller, Gambo Aliyu, disclosed the development during the handover of the confiscated items to relevant government agencies. He said the seizures were made along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within the unit’s area of responsibility.

Among the substances recovered were synthetic cannabis, tramadol, codeine syrup, crystal meth and other psychotropic substances. The seizures included 5,669 parcels and 19 packs of synthetic cannabis weighing 3,116.9 kilogrammes, as well as several quantities of ground and granular cannabis. Customs officials also recovered 49 wraps of cannabis weighing 26.1 kilogrammes and a wrap of crystal meth weighing 0.35 kilogramme.

Aliyu further disclosed that the operation led to the seizure of 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of tramadol tablets in 225mg and 100mg strengths. Customs also recovered 1,200 Hypnox tablets and 97 bottles of codeine syrup, among other controlled substances. According to the Customs boss, the combined approximate street value of the narcotics and other seized items was put at N3.95bn, underscoring the scale of the attempted drug trafficking operations.

The Customs Area Controller said the successful interceptions formed part of the unit’s ongoing efforts to prevent the movement of prohibited and harmful substances through Nigeria’s border routes and other entry points. The three suspects arrested in connection with the consignments are expected to assist investigators in tracing the source, intended destinations and other individuals who may be linked to the illicit trade. The seized substances have also been handed over to the appropriate government agencies for further action.

The development comes amid intensified efforts by Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies to disrupt the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs across the country. Customs authorities have continued to collaborate with other agencies in intercepting prohibited substances and bringing suspected traffickers to justice. The latest seizure, valued at nearly N4bn, represents another major blow to criminal networks involved in the movement of controlled drugs and psychotropic substances.