Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C in Owerri have intercepted a massive consignment of illicit pharmaceuticals valued at over N1.056 billion along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin City.
In a press release signed by the Controller, Comptroller Bishir Balogun, on April 11 2026, the seizure comprised 1,025,000 tablets of Tramadol and 10,000 bottles of Barcadin Codeine syrup (100ml each).
Balogun disclosed that the operation, executed on March 15, 2026, was driven by credible intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts. He explained that officers flagged down a truck suspected of conveying contraband goods along the busy expressway.
The driver initially attempted to evade arrest but later abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby bushland.
A thorough search of the truck revealed that the drugs had been carefully concealed among legitimate goods in a bid to evade detection. Authorities placed the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items at N1,056,000,000.
Comptroller Balogun described the interception as a clear demonstration of the Service’s resolve to combat the illegal circulation of controlled substances, particularly Tramadol and Codeine, which are widely linked to substance abuse and rising criminal activity across the country.
He warned that smugglers and criminal networks would continue to face intensified surveillance and enforcement actions.
The operation underscores the Service’s commitment to protecting public health and ensuring national security through the continued deployment of intelligence led strategies to dismantle criminal networks.
The seized drugs are currently in custody, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend those responsible.
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