FOU Zone A Customs Hands Over ₦511.4m Seized Drugs, Pharmaceuticals To NDLEA, NAFDAC

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has handed over seized 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 legal action.

The handover took place on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Unit’s headquarters along Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

*Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase

According to the press statement signed by Hussaini Abdullahi, Chief Superintendent and Customs Public Relations Officer.

The seized items included 121 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 65.9 kilogrammes, 100 grammes of crystal methamphetamine, 400 grammes of cocaine, 900 grammes of ground synthetic cannabis, 4.3 kilogrammes of hybrid cannabis, 86 packs of polythene bags allegedly used to conceal illicit drugs, and 57 cartons of codeine syrup.

Two vehicles, a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna, alongside two male suspects linked to separate interceptions, were also handed over to the relevant 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 resulted from sustained 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, 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, Ondo State.

He said subsequent examination and analysis conducted by NDLEA officials confirmed the nature of the substances.

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

According to Oguntuase, the handover demonstrates the Service’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration in tackling drug trafficking, the smuggling of controlled substances and the 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 illicit drug exhibits, a suspect and a vehicle on behalf of the 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 efforts to rid society of illicit drugs.

Similarly, Mrs Edith, Deputy Director in charge of Pharmaceuticals, who represented NAFDAC’s Director of Enforcement, received the seized codeine syrup and commended Customs officers for the interception.

She also assured the Unit of NAFDAC’s continued collaboration in combating illicit and substandard pharmaceutical products.

The Nigeria Customs Service reiterated its commitment to combating drug trafficking and the smuggling of controlled pharmaceutical products while facilitating legitimate trade.