Customs FOU Zone ‘A’ Hands Over ₦511.4 Million in Seized Drugs and Illegal Pharmaceuticals to NDLEA and NAFDAC
In a major move to protect public health and safety, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, has handed over confiscated illegal drugs and unauthorized pharmaceuticals worth ₦511.4 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and prosecution.
The official transfer took place on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, reflecting the shared commitment of these agencies to keep communities safe.
According to a statement signed by the Unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullah.
The seized haul included a wide variety of dangerous substances: 121 packages of cannabis (weighing 65.9kg), 100 grams of crystal meth, 400 grams of cocaine, 900 grams of ground synthetic cannabis, and 4.3kg of hybrid cannabis. Officers also recovered 86 plastic bags used to hide the contraband, along with 57 cartons of codeine syrup. Two vehicles used for smuggling—a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna—were handed over alongside two male suspects arrested in connection with the shipments.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Oluwaseun Oguntuase, representing the Acting Comptroller of the Unit, explained that these seizures were the result of careful, intelligence-driven patrols along major highways and border routes.
He shared how the team intercepted the shipments: on Saturday afternoon, October 10, 2026, officers acting on a tip-off stopped a Toyota Hiace bus along the Lagos–Benin Expressway near Ore, Ondo State, finding the hidden drugs inside. Just a few days earlier, on the afternoon of October 7, another vehicle was stopped on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, leading to the discovery of 57 cartons of codeine syrup.
Oguntuase emphasized that this handover highlights the strength of inter-agency teamwork. He noted that Customs remains fully committed to guarding the nation's borders, protecting public health, and ensuring that smugglers have no room to operate.
Receiving the narcotics, vehicle, and suspect on behalf of the NDLEA, Deputy Commander Ganiyu Bolaji praised the Customs team for their dedication to working together. He promised that the NDLEA would carry out a thorough investigation and take strict legal action to help rid the country of illicit drugs.
Representing NAFDAC, Mrs. Edith, the Deputy Director of Pharmaceuticals, also commended the unit for stopping the codeine shipment, promising that NAFDAC will continue to work closely with Customs to keep dangerous and substandard medicines off the streets.
The Nigeria Customs Service reiterated its resolve to relentlessly fight smuggling and economic crimes while supporting legitimate trade.
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