The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, has intercepted illicit drugs and pharmaceutical products worth N3.951 billion and arrested three suspects in a sustained crackdown on smuggling and trans-border crime. The seized narcotics and suspects were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for investigation and prosecution.
FOU Zone A Controller, Gambo Aliyu, disclosed this on Thursday during the formal handover of the seizures at the unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos. The seizures, made along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations, included 3,116.9kg of synthetic cannabis in 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks, alongside various quantities of cannabis, crystal methamphetamine and other controlled substances.
Customs also intercepted 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of Tramadol, 1,200 Hypnox tablets and 97 bottles of Codeine syrup. Aliyu said the seizures were aimed at disrupting drug-trafficking networks, warning that the illicit movement of controlled substances posed serious threats to public health, national security and Nigerian youths.
In a related operation, officers seized four 34.5kg cylinders of high-grade mercury used in illegal gold mining. Aliyu said the chemical posed significant environmental risks and would be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for appropriate action.
He said the seizures underscored the need for stronger collaboration among security and regulatory agencies, including intelligence sharing, joint operations and the prompt transfer of seized items to agencies with the statutory mandate to handle them.