COMPT BALOGUN INTERCEPTS N1.056 BILLION WORTH OF TRAMADOL & CODEINE ALONG BENIN CORRIDOR
Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit Zone C, Owerri, Intercepts Tramadol Tablets of (1,025,000) and 10,000 Bottles of Barcadin Codeine Syrup Along Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin, Edo State
The Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has announced a major breakthrough in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
Comptroller Bishir Balogun disclosed that, through strategic intelligence and coordinated enforcement, operatives intercepted a truck loaded with (1,025,000) tablets of Tramadol and 10,000 bottles of Barcadin Codeine syrup (100ml each) on March 15, 2026, along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin City, Edo State.
When flagged down, the driver attempted to evade officers but eventually parked, jumped out, and fled into nearby bushland. A subsequent search revealed the drugs cleverly concealed among legitimate goods to evade detection. The seized drugs has a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of One Billion and Fifty-Six Million Naira Only (N1,056,000,000.00).
Comptroller Balogun stressed that this operation underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to curbing the smuggling of prohibited substances like Tramadol and Codeine, which fuel drug addiction and crime nationwide.
He warned smugglers and criminal networks to abandon their illegal activities, as the Nigeria Customs Service will continue deploying intelligence-led strategies to safeguard public health and national security.
The seized consignment is in custody, with investigations underway to apprehend those responsible.