The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a large consignment of illicit drugs valued at N1.056bn along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin City, in what authorities described as a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking.
The seizure was carried out by the Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, Owerri, which disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday.
According to the Customs Area Controller of the unit, Bashir Balogun, operatives, acting on intelligence, intercepted a truck conveying over two million tablets of tramadol and 10,000 bottles of barcadin codeine syrup (100ml each) on March 15, 2026.
He stated that the illicit consignment, with a total duty-paid value of N1.056bn, was concealed among legitimate goods in an attempt to evade detection.
Balogun explained that the driver of the vehicle attempted to escape after being flagged down but abandoned the truck and fled into a nearby bush.
He noted that the operation underscored the agency’s intensified intelligence-driven enforcement strategy aimed at tackling the smuggling of prohibited substances, which contribute to rising cases of drug abuse and related crimes.
The Customs boss warned individuals and syndicates involved in illegal drug trafficking to desist, stressing that the service remains resolute in protecting public health and national security.
He added that the seized items are currently in custody, while investigations are ongoing to track down those behind the smuggling operation.
