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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has intercepted and handed over a massive seizure of illicit and controlled substances with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2.64 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), reinforcing inter-agency collaboration against drug trafficking and related crimes.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony in Owerri on Thursday, Comptroller of FOU Zone C, Comptroller Bishir Balogun, said the seizure represented another major breakthrough in the unit’s anti-smuggling operations and underscored the NCS commitment to protecting national security and public health.
The intercepted consignments, according to him, included 1,126,060 tablets of Tramadol, 21,245 bottles of Barcadin Codeine Syrup, 666 sacks and 19 wraps of Cannabis Sativa, three wraps of Scottish Loud, 11 wraps of Ghanaian Loud, five wraps of Colos, alongside other illicit substances.
He disclosed that the seizures were made through credible intelligence, sustained surveillance and the professionalism of officers and men of the unit, stressing that the operation aligned with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs centered on consolidation, collaboration and innovation.
Describing the handover as more than a routine transfer, the Comptroller said it reflected the strong synergy between Customs and NDLEA in confronting the menace of illicit drugs and preventing prohibited substances from finding their way into communities.
Comptroller Balogun warned that abuse and illegal distribution of narcotics, particularly Tramadol, Codeine and Cannabis, remain major threats to the nation, fueling addiction, criminality and social instability, especially among young people.
“The message is clear to drug traffickers and criminal networks: their activities will not go unchecked,” he declared.
The Customs boss commended officers of the unit for their vigilance, integrity and commitment in sustaining pressure on smugglers, while also applauding the NDLEA and other security agencies for their continued cooperation in securing the country.
Receiving the seized items on behalf of the NDLEA, the Deputy Zonal Commander of Narcotics, Commander BM Monday, lauded the Nigeria Customs Service for the successful interception and reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to ensure the substances are subjected to further regulatory actions in line with its statutory mandate.
He noted that the handover demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement efforts in disrupting illicit drug supply chains and safeguarding society from dangerous substances.
The FOU Zone C Comptroller also called on members of the public to support law enforcement agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community participation remains crucial in winning the fight against drug trafficking.
The handover is seen as one of the most significant anti-narcotics interceptions in the zone in recent times and further highlights growing collaboration among security agencies in tackling transnational organized crime.
