The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone C in Owerri, said it has intercepted more than one million tramadol tablets and 10,000 bottles of Barcadin codeine syrup valued at 1.05 billion naira along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin City, Edo State.
The unit’s comptroller, Bishir Balogun, said in a statement Saturday that the seizure marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking.
Balogun said operatives, acting on intelligence, intercepted a truck carrying 1,025,000 tramadol tablets and 10,000 bottles of Barcadin codeine syrup, each containing 100 milliliters. He said the driver attempted to evade officers but eventually abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby bushland.
A search of the truck revealed the drugs were concealed among legitimate goods to avoid detection, he said. The total duty-paid value of the seized items was estimated at 1.05 billion naira.
Balogun said the operation highlights the service’s commitment to curbing the smuggling of prohibited substances such as tramadol and codeine, which he said contribute to drug abuse and crime.
He warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities, adding that the service will continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to protect public health and national security.
The seized drugs are in custody, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible, he said.
