By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, have intercepted over 1,025,000 tablets of Tramadol and 10,000 bottles of Barcadin Codeine syrup along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin City, Edo State.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Customs Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Bishir Balogun, on April 11, 2026.
According to the statement, the interception was carried out on March 15, 2026, following credible intelligence and coordinated enforcement operations by operatives of the Unit.
Balogun said the truck conveying the illicit drugs was flagged down by Customs officers, but the driver attempted to evade arrest. He later stopped the vehicle, jumped out, and fled into a nearby bush.
A search of the truck revealed that the drugs were cleverly concealed among legitimate goods in an attempt to evade detection.
The seized drugs have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of One Billion and Fifty-Six Million Naira (₦1,056,000,000).
The Comptroller noted that the interception underscores the Service’s commitment to curbing the smuggling of prohibited substances such as Tramadol and Codeine, which fuel drug abuse and other criminal activities across the country.
He warned smugglers and criminal networks to desist from illegal activities, adding that the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies to safeguard public health and national security.
The seized consignment is currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to apprehend those responsible.
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