By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone C, Owerri, has handed over a massive cache of seized illicit and controlled drugs valued at over N2.6 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in what officials describe as one of the unit’s most significant anti-smuggling breakthroughs in recent times.
The transfer, conducted at the unit’s headquarters in Owerri, Imo State, was led by the Controller of the unit, Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun, and reflects an intensifying inter-agency collaboration aimed at curbing the proliferation of dangerous substances across the country.
Details of the operation were contained in a statement issued on Thursday, April 23, 2026, by the unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, R. Nche.
According to the statement, the seized consignments—comprising unregistered and highly controlled drugs with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2,638,102,565—were intercepted through intelligence-driven operations, sustained surveillance and the professionalism of officers of the unit.
“These seized prohibited highly controlled drugs and illicit substances were intercepted through strategic credible intelligence deployment, diligent surveillance and a high level of professionalism of our officers who remain resolute in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities,” the statement said.
It noted that the handover underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to protecting the nation from the growing threat posed by illicit drugs and controlled substances.
The statement further warned that the abuse and illegal distribution of tramadol, codeine-based syrups and cannabis sativa continue to pose serious risks to public health and national security, particularly among youths, linking such substances to rising criminal activities and social instability.
“The Service recognizes these implications and remains fully committed to combating this menace at all levels,” it added.
Items handed over to the NDLEA include 1,126,060 tramadol tablets, 21,245 bottles of codeine syrup, 666 sacks of cannabis sativa, 19 wraps of cannabis sativa, three wraps of Scottish loud, 11 wraps of Canadian loud, five wraps of ‘colos’ and other controlled substances, all with a combined DPV exceeding N2.6 billion.
The Customs Service also reiterated that the success of the operation aligns with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi, centred on consolidation, collaboration and innovation.
Officials stressed that the breakthrough was made possible through effective inter-agency cooperation, particularly with the NDLEA, which remains the lead agency in drug control and enforcement.
While formally handing over the seized items to the NDLEA Deputy Zonal Commander, DC Bani MacLean Monday, Comptroller Balogun commended the agency and other stakeholders for their continued collaboration in safeguarding the nation.
He also urged members of the public to support enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible intelligence, noting that collective vigilance remains key to building a safer and healthier society.
