By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, has handed over illicit drugs and pharmaceutical products with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦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 appropriate legal action.
The handover took place on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Unit’s headquarters on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to a statement signed by the Unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, the seized items included 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 and 57 cartons of codeine syrup.
The statement also listed 86 packs of polythene bags allegedly used to conceal the illicit drugs among the seized items. Two vehicles, a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna, as well as two male suspects linked to separate interceptions, were also handed over to the receiving agencies.
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 were the result of intelligence-driven operations along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within the Unit’s area of responsibility.
Oguntuase explained that at about 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 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.
He said subsequent examination and analysis by NDLEA officials confirmed the substances.
In a separate operation on October 7, at about 2:07 p.m., Customs officers intercepted another vehicle along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 57 cartons of codeine syrup of assorted brands.
Oguntuase said the handover reflected the Service’s commitment to working with relevant law enforcement and regulatory agencies to curb drug trafficking, prevent the smuggling of controlled substances and stop the circulation of unsafe 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 seized drug exhibits, a suspect and a vehicle on behalf of the Commander of NDLEA Lagos State Strategic Command, Deputy Commander of Narcotics Ganiyu Bolaji commended the Customs Service, particularly FOU Zone ‘A’, for its commitment to inter-agency cooperation.
Bolaji assured that the agency would handle the transferred exhibits and suspect in accordance with the law, while sustaining its efforts to rid society of illicit drugs.
Similarly, Mrs Edith, Deputy Director in charge of Pharmaceuticals, who received the seized codeine syrup on behalf of NAFDAC’s Director of Enforcement, praised the Customs Unit for the interception and assured it of continued collaboration in tackling illicit and substandard pharmaceutical products.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug trafficking, smuggling and the illegal movement of controlled pharmaceutical products while facilitating legitimate business activities.
