By Okey Iroegbu
The Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘C’ Owerri of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handedover seized prohibited and highly controlled consignments of illicit drugs comprising of Tramadol, Barcadin Codeine syrup, Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp), Ghanaian loud, Scottish loud, colos, and other illicit drugs/substances worth N2.63 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Owerri, Imo State for further and necessary action. This disclosure was contained in a press release issued, signed and made available to Media platforms on
Thursday, April 23, 2026 by the command's Public Relactions Officer, Rose Nche, a Chief Superintendent of Customs CSC. According to the statement, the handing over of the seized unregistered control drugs and other illicit drugs to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Two Billion,Six Hundred and Thirty Eight Million,One Hundred and Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty Five Naira only (N2,638,102,565.00) was conducted at the unit headquarters in Owerri, the Imo State capital, by the
Customs Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, Owerri, Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun. The items handed over on April 23, 2026, are in these various quantities: 1,126,060 Tramadol Tablets; 21,245 bottles of Codeine syrups; 666 sacks of Cannabis Sativa; 19 wraps of cannabis sativa; three wraps of Scottish loud; 11 wraps of Ghanaian loud; five wraps of Colos and other controlled drugs. Comptroller Balogun, the Customs Area Controller of the Unit in a statement at the handing over, said that these items were intercepted through a strategic credible intelligence deployment, diligent surveillance and a high level of professionalism of Customs officers, who remain resolute in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities. He stressed that the misuse and illegal distribution of Tramadol, Codeine based syrups, and Cannabis Sativa have continued to pose a serious threat to public health, particularly among our youth and National Security. These substances, when abused, contribute to addiction, high-profile criminal activities, and social instability. “As a service, we recognize the grave implications and remain fully committed to combating this menace at all levels. Today’s eventunderscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service in safeguarding our nation from the dangers posed by illicit drugs and highly controlled substances,” he said. In line with the CGC’s policy thrust on Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation, Comptroller Balogun attributed the unit’s breakthrough in anti-smuggling operations to strong teamwork and effective collaboration with
the NDLEA and other sister agencies in pursuit of a common national goal. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, as the lead agency in Drug control and enforcement, plays a critical role in ensuring that these seized items are kept out of unregulated circulation. “This handover, therefore, is not just a procedural exercise; it is a demonstration of strong inter-agency synergy and a shared resolve to rid our society of harmful, highly controlled drugs and illicit substances. It also sends a clear message to those involved in illicit drug trafficking that their activities will not go unchecked,” he added. He commended officers of this Unit for their vigilance, dedication and integrity, and also appreciated the continued cooperation of the NDLEA and other critical stakeholders in securing the nation. Comptroller Balogun commended officers of the unit for their vigilance, integrity and commitment in sustaining pressure on smugglers, while also
applauding the NDLEA and other security agencies for their continued cooperation in securing the country. Receiving the seized items on behalf of the NDLEA, the Deputy Zonal Commander of Narcotics, Commander BM Monday, lauded the Nigeria Customs Service for the successful interception and reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to ensure the substances are subjected to further regulatory actions in line with its statutory mandate. He noted that the handover demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement efforts in disrupting illicit drug supply chains and safeguarding society from dangerous substances. He urged members of the public to support law enforcement agencies with timely information, adding that collective efforts are key to building a safer and healthier society by safeguarding the health of the nation.
