Customs Intercepts Truck with Over One Million Tramadol Tablets and Codeine Syrup in Benin
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has made a significant seizure, intercepting a truck loaded with over one million Tramadol tablets and 10,000 bottles of Barcadin Codeine syrup along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin, Edo State. The confiscated drugs have an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.05 billion, representing a major victory in the ongoing battle against illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
Strategic Operation Leads to Major Drug Bust
According to a statement released on Saturday by Comptroller Bishir Balogun, the interception was the result of strategic intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts by customs operatives. The truck, which contained 1,025,000 tablets of Tramadol and 10,000 bottles of Codeine syrup (each 100ml), was flagged down during a routine check. However, the driver attempted to evade officers, eventually parking the vehicle and fleeing into nearby bushland to avoid arrest.
A subsequent search of the truck revealed that the drugs were cleverly concealed among legitimate goods, a tactic used by smugglers to evade detection. This discovery highlights the sophisticated methods employed by criminal networks to traffic prohibited substances into the country.
Commitment to Curbing Drug Smuggling and Protecting Public Health
Comptroller Balogun emphasized that this operation underscores the NCS's unwavering commitment to curbing the smuggling of dangerous substances like Tramadol and Codeine, which are known to fuel drug addiction and contribute to rising crime rates nationwide. He issued a stern warning to smugglers and criminal networks, urging them to abandon their illegal activities, as the customs service will continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies to safeguard public health and national security.
The seized consignment is currently in custody, and investigations are underway to apprehend those responsible for this illicit shipment. This seizure is part of broader efforts by the NCS to combat drug trafficking and protect communities from the harmful effects of substance abuse.
