Customs FOU Zone A hands over N3.95b narcotics to NDLEA, nabs 3 suspects

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Thursday handed over narcotics and other illegal pharmaceuticals valued at N3.95 billion it intercepted to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos.

The FOU Zone A Comptroller Gambo Aliyu told journalists that the seizures were made following sustained intelligence operations along borders and roads in the South West region.

Three suspected smugglers were nabbed as they attempt to ferry the bad substance to locations for sale just as the Comptroller formally transferred thousands of seized drug parcels to the NDLEA at the FOU Zone ‘A’ headquarters in Ikeja.

The items included codeine syrup, Hypnox tablets, cannabis, crystal methamphetamine and Tramadol.

Aliyu explained that Customs intercepted 3,116.9kg of synthetic cannabis—comprising 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks—along with other cannabis products and a 0.35kg wrap of crystal methamphetamine

The rest narcotics included 26.1 kg of cannabis (skunk) in 49 wraps, 3.45 kg of ground cannabis in 3½ packs, 1 kg of granulated cannabis in two packs, and 0.35 kg in 11 small packs.

According to him, the unit also seized 24 packets of Backwoods Russian Cream Cigars. Additionally, pharmaceutical products handed over to the NDLEA included 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of Tramadol (225mg and 100mg), 1,200 Hypnox tablets, and 97 bottles of codeine syrup.

He affirmed Aliyu said three suspects arrested in connection with the seizures would also be handed over to the NDLEA alongside the narcotic substances.

He described the illicit movement of controlled substances as a major threat to public health, national security and the future of young Nigerians, warning that drug trafficking fuels addiction, criminality and violence.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, through strengthening the integrity of the supply chain, would continue to support the efforts of the NDLEA by disrupting the movement of narcotic drugs and illicit goods across Nigeria’s borders,” he said.

The Customs boss also disclosed the interception of four cylinders of high-grade mercury, each weighing 34.5kg, which he said was used in small-scale illegal gold mining.

He explained that the chemical, which has significant environmental hazards, is controlled under the Minamata Convention and would be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for appropriate action.

Aliyu stressed that effective enforcement against smuggling and trans-border crime required stronger inter-agency collaboration through intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated enforcement.

He assured that FOU Zone ‘A’ would maintain patrols, surveillance, and intelligence-led operations to block illegal and harmful goods while supporting legitimate trade.

He said the handover reflects the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to safeguarding public health, environmental safety, and national security.