The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has intercepted over one million tramadol tablets and 10,000 bottles of codeine syrup along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin City, Edo State.
Bishir Balogun, the Comptroller of the unit, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, describing the seizure as a major breakthrough in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
Balogun said operatives, acting on intelligence, intercepted a truck conveying 1,025,000 tramadol tablets and 10,000 bottles of Barcadin codeine syrup (100ml each).
“When the truck was flagged down, the driver attempted to evade officers but eventually parked and fled into nearby bushland,” he said.
He added that a search of the vehicle revealed the drugs were cleverly concealed among legitimate goods to evade detection.
According to him, the seized items have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of about N1.05 billion.
“This operation underscores our unwavering commitment to curbing the smuggling of prohibited substances like tramadol and codeine, which fuel drug abuse and criminal activities across the country,” Balogun said.
He warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities, noting that the service would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to protect public health and national security.
Balogun added that the seized consignment is currently in custody, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend those responsible.
