Customs Foils N5.1bn Drug Smuggling Plot at Lagos Airport, Hands Over Seizures to NAFDAC, NDLEA
Kathy Kyari
The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted illicit drugs worth over ₦5.1 billion, imported into Nigeria from India and Canada.
This was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Michael Awe, while showcasing the seized items at the Command’s headquarters in Lagos on Thursday.
Awe revealed that no suspect had been arrested in connection with the seizures, but assured that the drugs would be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.
According to him, the items seized include: 121 packs of Canadian Cannabis with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1.4 billion, 294,000 tablets of 225mg Tramadol HCL worth ₦1.2 billion, Pregabalin 300mg valued at ₦1.2 billion, Norflex 50mg worth ₦800 million, Sardalud 2mg valued at ₦495 million bringing the total seizure value to ₦5.1 billion.
“On 30th July 2025, a consignment with AWB number 235-63882254/2 packages, previously placed under surveillance, was evacuated from the NAHCO Import Shed to the government warehouse and upon Joint Examination, it was confirmed that the 2 packages containing a Duvet were used to conceal 121 packs of Canadian Cannabis Sativa with a DPV of ₦1.4 billion,” Awe said.
“Similarly, on 24th September 2025, a consignment with AWB-071-58012706/6pkgs was equally suspected and evacuated from SAHCO Import Shed to the government warehouse and upon examination, it was found to contain 294,000 tablets of 225mg Tramadol HCL with the Duty Paid Value of ₦1.2 billion.”
He explained that another interception involved consignments containing Pregabalin (300mg), Sardalud (2mg), and Norflex (50mg)—all of which are controlled medications.
“In a related development, on 17th September 2025, two consignments with AWB Nos: 071-58231670 and 071-58234433 were also intercepted and evacuated from the NAHCO Import Shed to the Government Warehouse. Upon examination, they were found to contain Pregabalin tablets (300mg), Sardalud tablets (2mg), and Norflex tablets (50mg)—all of which are controlled medications imported without the required certification,” the Controller said.
Awe expressed concern that the illicit drugs were deceptively packaged and branded as 50mg Diclofenac Sodium.
“This dangerous practice poses a grave threat to public health. We therefore urge members of the public to remain vigilant when purchasing medication and to ensure they only buy from verified and reputable sources,” he warned.
Reiterating the Command’s zero tolerance for drug smuggling through Lagos Airport, Awe assured that surveillance and enforcement would be intensified.
Assistant Director of NAFDAC, Pharm. Nwude Kelechi, described the seizure as “mind-blowing,” pledging that the agency would work closely with Customs to ensure there is “no hiding place for anyone involved in the importation of illicit drugs into the country through the Lagos Airport.”
0 Comments