The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, intercepting a large consignment of Tramadol tablets and Codeine syrup valued at N1.056 billion.
The Comptroller of the Unit, Bishir Balogun, disclosed that the seizure was made on March 15, 2026, along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin City, Edo State, following credible intelligence and coordinated enforcement operations.
According to him, operatives intercepted a truck conveying 1,025,000 tablets of Tramadol and 10,000 bottles of Barcadin Codeine syrup (100ml each), which were cleverly concealed among legitimate goods in an attempt to evade detection.
Balogun explained that the driver initially attempted to evade arrest but eventually abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby bushland when apprehension became imminent.
He noted that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items stands at N1,056,000,000, underscoring the scale of the illegal operation.
The Customs boss emphasized that the interception highlights the Service’s sustained commitment to combating the smuggling of prohibited substances, particularly Tramadol and Codeine, which are widely linked to drug abuse and criminal activities.
He warned that the NCS will continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to dismantle smuggling networks and protect public health and national security.
The seized consignment remains in custody, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those behind the illegal shipment.
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