Customs FOU Zone A Hands Over N3.95BN Drugs, Mercury To NDLEA, NESREA In Lagos
Customs FOU Zone A Hands Over N3.95BN Drugs, Mercury To NDLEA, NESREA In Lagos
…Seizes 3.1 Tonnes of Cannabis, Meth, Tramadol, Codeine in Intelligence-Led Operations
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone ‘A’ has recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against illicit trafficking, intercepting narcotics and pharmaceutical products worth an estimated N3.95 billion in street value.
The contraband, which included cannabis, crystal meth, Tramadol, Hypnox, and Codeine, was formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA on Thursday at the FOU Zone ‘A’ headquarters on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking during the handover, the *Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Gambo Aliyu, said the seizures were the result of sustained, intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations across border corridors, highways, and other flashpoints within the unit’s jurisdiction in the Southwest.
“These interceptions are part of our renewed commitment to disrupt the supply chain of dangerous drugs and other prohibited goods that threaten the health and security of Nigerians,” Aliyu stated.
Breakdown of Seizures
According to the Comptroller, operatives intercepted:
– 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks of synthetic strain of Cannabis Sativa weighing 3,116.9kg
– 1 wrap of Crystal Methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg
– 49 wraps of Cannabis ‘Skunk’ weighing 26.1kg
– 3½ packs of ground Skunk weighing 3.45kg
– 2 packs of granulated cannabis weighing 1kg and 11 small packs weighing 0.35kg
– 24 packets of Backwoods Russian Cream Cigars
On the pharmaceutical side, Customs also seized:
– 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of 225mg and 100mg Tramadol tablets
– 1,200 Hypnox tablets
– 97 bottles of Codeine syrup
Three suspects arrested in connection with the seizures were also handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
In a related development, the unit also intercepted four cylinders of high-grade mercury, each weighing 34.5kg. Aliyu explained that mercury is commonly used in illegal small-scale gold mining and poses serious environmental and health risks.
The substance, which is regulated under the Minamata Convention, will be transferred to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA for proper disposal and action.
Comptroller Aliyu warned that the illicit movement of narcotics remains a major threat to public health, national security, and the future of Nigerian youths.
Drug trafficking fuels addiction, criminality and violence. As Customs, we will continue to strengthen the integrity of the supply chain and support NDLEA in cutting off the movement of these harmful substances across our borders, he said.
He emphasized that tackling trans-border crime now demands stronger inter-agency collaboration through intelligence sharing, joint operations, and coordinated enforcement.
The Customs boss assured that FOU Zone ‘A’ will sustain 24/7 surveillance, patrols, and intelligence-led operations while ensuring that legitimate trade is facilitated and prohibited goods are kept out of circulation.
“This handover is a clear demonstration of the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to protecting our borders, safeguarding public health, preserving the environment, and securing the nation,” Aliyu concluded.
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