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The fight against illicit drugs and the unauthorised distribution of pharmaceutical products has received a boost following the recovery of prohibited substances valued at N511 million by the Nigeria Customs Service in Lagos.
The seized items, which include different narcotics and codeine-based syrup, have been transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for further action. Two suspects and two vehicles connected to the interceptions were also handed over to the agencies.
The recoveries comprised cannabis products, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and other suspected synthetic drugs. Customs officials also intercepted 57 cartons of codeine syrup, raising concerns about the movement of restricted pharmaceutical products through major transport corridors.
According to the Customs Service, the seizures followed separate operations conducted on October 7 and October 10 along the Lagos-Ibadan and Lagos-Benin expressways. During one of the operations, officers stopped a Toyota Hiace bus near Ore in Ondo State and discovered suspected illicit substances inside the vehicle.
The Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, attributed the successes to intelligence gathering and targeted surveillance. Speaking on behalf of Acting Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, he reiterated the service’s commitment to preventing smugglers from using Nigeria’s highways to transport prohibited goods.
The NDLEA and NAFDAC representatives who received the seized items praised the Customs Service for its role in disrupting the supply of illegal drugs and regulated medicines. They also emphasised the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing drug-related offences and protecting Nigerians from harmful substances.
The transfer places the exhibits and suspects under the relevant agencies for further investigation and necessary legal procedures, as authorities continue efforts to restrict the circulation of illicit narcotics and improperly distributed pharmaceutical products.
