Customs Hands Over N2.6bn Drug Haul to NDLEA in Owerri, Including 1.1m Tramadol Tablets, 666 Sacks of Cannabis
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone C of the Nigeria Customs Service has formally handed over a massive consignment of seized illicit drugs and controlled substances to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Owerri State Command, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2,638,102,565.
The handover ceremony, held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the FOU Zone C headquarters in Owerri, covered 1,126,060 Tramadol tablets, 21,245 bottles of Barcadin Codeine syrup, 666 sacks of Cannabis Sativa, 19 wraps of cannabis sativa, three wraps of Scottish loud, 11 wraps of Ghanaian loud, and five wraps of Colos, among other controlled substances.
Comptroller BA Balogun, who presided over the event, said the seized items were intercepted through strategic intelligence deployment, diligent surveillance, and the professionalism of officers and men of the unit.
He described the handover as more than a procedural exercise, framing it as a demonstration of inter-agency synergy and a shared national resolve to keep harmful substances out of circulation.
“Today’s event underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service in safeguarding our nation from the dangers posed by illicit drugs and highly controlled substances,” Balogun said.
The Comptroller warned that drug traffickers would not escape scrutiny, noting that the seizure sends a clear signal to those involved in illicit drug networks.
“This handover 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 stated.
Balogun highlighted the public health threat posed by the abuse of Tramadol, Codeine-based syrups, and Cannabis Sativa, particularly among young Nigerians, noting that such substances fuel addiction, high-profile criminal activity, and social instability.
He situated the unit’s anti-smuggling drive within the broader policy framework of the Comptroller-General of Customs, anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation, and credited effective engagement with NDLEA and other sister agencies for the unit’s recent enforcement successes.
The Comptroller commended officers of the unit for their vigilance and integrity, acknowledged the continued cooperation of NDLEA, and urged members of the public to support law enforcement by providing timely intelligence.
The seized consignments were formally received by the Deputy Zonal Commander of Narcotics, Commander BM Monday, on behalf of the NDLEA Owerri Zonal Office.
