By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has intercepted illicit drugs and pharmaceutical products valued at ₦511.4 million in separate operations along the Lagos–Benin and Lagos–Ibadan expressways.
The seizures included cannabis, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, synthetic cannabis and 57 cartons of codeine syrup, while two male suspects and two vehicles allegedly used to convey the prohibited substances were also apprehended.
The Customs unit handed over the seized exhibits, suspects and a vehicle to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday at its headquarters on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos.
The handover was aimed at enabling the relevant agencies to conduct further investigations and take appropriate legal action against those connected with the consignments.
The development underscores ongoing efforts by security and regulatory agencies to curb drug trafficking, prevent the circulation of potentially harmful pharmaceutical products and strengthen surveillance along major transport corridors.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, who represented the Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone A, said the seizures resulted from intelligence-driven operations across highways, border corridors and other strategic locations within the unit’s area of responsibility.
Oguntuase disclosed that at about 1 p.m. on October 10, 2026, a Customs patrol team acting on intelligence intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus conveying suspected illicit drugs along the Lagos–Benin Expressway around Ore, Ondo State.
The substances were allegedly concealed in polythene bags to evade detection by law enforcement officers.
He said subsequent examination and analysis conducted by NDLEA officials confirmed the substances as illicit drugs.
The seized exhibits included 121 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 65.9 kilogrammes, 100 grammes of crystal methamphetamine, 400 grammes of cocaine, 900 grammes of ground synthetic cannabis and 4.3 kilogrammes of hybrid cannabis.
The operation also led to the recovery of 86 packs of polythene bags reportedly used to conceal the prohibited substances.
A Toyota Hiace bus was among the vehicles intercepted during the operations.
In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted another vehicle along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on October 7, 2026, at about 2:07 p.m.
According to Oguntuase, a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 57 cartons of codeine syrup of assorted brands.
The pharmaceutical products were subsequently handed over to NAFDAC for further investigation and necessary regulatory action.
A Toyota Sienna was also intercepted in connection with the operation.
The seizure highlights concerns over the movement of controlled pharmaceutical products through major highways and the need for stronger enforcement to prevent their unauthorised distribution.
Codeine-containing products are subject to regulatory controls, and their improper distribution or use can pose serious public health risks.
Receiving the drug exhibits, one of the suspects and a vehicle on behalf of the Commander of the NDLEA Lagos State Strategic Command, the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Ganiyu Bolaji, commended Customs, particularly FOU Zone A, for its cooperation.
Bolaji assured that the agency would handle the transferred exhibits and suspect in accordance with the law.
He added that the NDLEA would sustain its efforts to rid society of illicit drugs and strengthen enforcement against drug trafficking.
Similarly, Edith, Deputy Director in charge of Pharmaceuticals, who received the seized codeine syrup on behalf of NAFDAC’s Director of Enforcement, praised Customs for the interception.
READ ALSO:Food inflation drops to six-month low of 9.19 per cent in September
She assured the unit of NAFDAC’s continued collaboration in tackling illicit and substandard pharmaceutical products.
The collaboration between Customs, the NDLEA and NAFDAC is expected to support investigations, establish the origins and intended destinations of the seized substances, and determine the appropriate legal and regulatory actions.
Oguntuase said the seizures and subsequent handover demonstrated the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating drug trafficking, the smuggling of controlled substances and the circulation of unsafe pharmaceutical products.
He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders, safeguarding public health and supporting national security by preventing criminal elements from exploiting the country’s transport corridors.
The Nigeria Customs Service also reiterated its commitment to combating smuggling and other activities that threaten public health and national security while facilitating legitimate trade.
The latest interceptions come amid sustained efforts by Nigerian law enforcement and regulatory agencies to disrupt illicit supply chains and prevent prohibited substances from reaching communities.
With investigations expected to continue, the agencies will seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the consignments and determine the appropriate legal action against those found culpable.
