The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, has handed over seized pharmaceutical products and illicit drugs with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N511.4 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The handover took place at the Unit’s headquarters on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, October 16, 2026, in line with the statutory mandates of the receiving agencies.
The seized items comprised 121 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 65.9kg; 100g of crystal methamphetamine; 400g of cocaine; 900g of ground synthetic cannabis; 4.3kg of hybrid cannabis; 86 packs of polythene bags used to conceal the illicit drugs; and 57 cartons of codeine syrup. Two vehicles – a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna – and two male suspects were also handed over.
Speaking during the exercise, Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, who represented the Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, said the seizures resulted from sustained intelligence-driven operations along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations.
He explained that at about 1300hrs on Saturday, October 10, 2026, a patrol team acting on intelligence intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus conveying suspected illicit drugs concealed in polythene bags along the Lagos-Benin Expressway, around Ore in Ondo State. Subsequent examination and analysis by NDLEA officials confirmed the substances.
In a separate operation at about 1407hrs on October 7, 2026, officers intercepted another vehicle along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Examination revealed 57 cartons of assorted brands of codeine syrup.
Oguntuase said the handover underscores the Service’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration in combating drug trafficking, smuggling of controlled substances and circulation of unwholesome pharmaceutical products.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its mandate to protect the nation’s borders, safeguard public health and support national security. These seizures and the subsequent handover demonstrate the importance of cooperation among security and regulatory agencies in denying criminal elements the space to operate,” he said.
Receiving the exhibits, Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Ganiyu Bolaji, who represented the Commander, NDLEA Lagos State Strategic Command, commended FOU Zone ‘A’ for its commitment to inter-agency cooperation and assured that the agency would handle the exhibits and suspect in accordance with the law.
Similarly, Mrs. Edith, Deputy Director in charge of Pharmaceuticals, who received the codeine syrup on behalf of NAFDAC’s Director of Enforcement, applauded the Unit and assured of sustained collaboration in combating illicit and substandard pharmaceutical products.
