The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, has handed over illicit drugs and pharmaceutical products valued at ₦511.4 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The seized items included 121 parcels of cannabis weighing 65.9kg, 100g of crystal methamphetamine, 400g of cocaine, 900g of ground synthetic cannabis, 4.3kg of hybrid cannabis and 57 cartons of codeine syrup.

Customs officers also recovered 86 packs of polythene bags allegedly used to conceal the drugs. Two vehicles and two male suspects were intercepted during separate operations.

Drugs Intercepted Along Highways

Speaking at the handover ceremony at the FOU Zone A headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, said the seizures resulted from intelligence-led operations along border routes, highways and other strategic locations.

Oguntuase, who represented the Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Oladapo Afeni, said one of the interceptions occurred at about 1 p.m. on October 10, 2026.

According to him, a patrol team acting on intelligence stopped a Toyota Hiace bus along the Lagos-Benin Expressway around Ore, Ondo State.

The vehicle was reportedly conveying suspected illicit drugs concealed in polythene bags. Subsequent examination and analysis by NDLEA officials confirmed the substances, according to Customs.

57 Cartons of Codeine Syrup Seized

In a separate operation at about 2:07 p.m. on October 7, 2026, Customs officers intercepted another vehicle along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and discovered 57 cartons of codeine syrup of assorted brands.

The seized products formed part of the items handed over to NAFDAC for further investigation and appropriate action.

Oguntuase said the handover reflected the Customs Service’s commitment to collaborating with relevant agencies to combat drug trafficking, the smuggling of controlled substances and the circulation of unsafe pharmaceutical products.

He added that the service would continue strengthening enforcement operations to protect public health, secure the country’s borders and support national security.

NDLEA, NAFDAC Pledge Further Action

Deputy Commander of Narcotics Ganiyu Bolaji, who received the drug exhibits, one suspect and a vehicle on behalf of the NDLEA Lagos State Strategic Command, commended Customs for its cooperation.

Bolaji assured that the agency would handle the exhibits and suspect in accordance with the law and continue efforts to curb the circulation of illicit drugs.

Similarly, Deputy Director of NAFDAC’s Pharmaceutical Division, Edith Josephs, received the seized codeine syrup on behalf of the agency’s Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement.

Josephs praised Customs for the interception and pledged continued collaboration to tackle the circulation of illicit and substandard pharmaceutical products.

The seized substances and suspects have been handed over to the relevant agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.