By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has impounded 1,025,000 tramadol capsules and 10,000 bottles of Barcadin Codeine Syrup along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin, Edo State.
Newstracktoday quoted Daily Sun that the confiscated items have a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.056 billion.
The Customs Area Controller of the unit, Comptroller Bishir Balogun, revealed this in a statement made available to Journalists
He said that the seizure was made through strategic intelligence and coordinated enforcement operations.
Balogun added that the operatives intercepted a truck conveying the contraband and that upon being flagged down, the driver reportedly attempted to evade officers but eventually stopped the vehicle, jumped out, and fled into a nearby bush.
According to him, a thorough search of the truck revealed that the illicit drugs were cleverly concealed among legitimate goods in a bid to evade detection.
The Customs boss revealed that the operation underscores the agency’s unwavering commitment to curbing the smuggling of prohibited substances such as tramadol and codeine, which contribute to drug abuse and criminal activities across the country.
He cautioned smugglers and criminal networks to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to safeguard public health and national security.
Balogun maintained that the seized consignment remains in custody, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend those behind the illegal shipment.