Customs Intercept Illicit Drugs Worth N5.1bn From India, Canada At Lagos Airport

The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced connected Thursday that it intercepted illicit drugs worthy implicit N5.1 cardinal imported into the state from India and Canada.
The Customs Area Controller, Compt. Michael Awe, disclosed this portion showcasing the seized drugs astatine the Command’s office successful Lagos.

Speaking astatine the event, the Customs brag stated that nary suspects were arrested concerning the seizure. Still, the seized items would beryllium handed implicit to the National Agency for Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.

According to him, the seized items are 121 packs of Canadian Cannabis with a duty-paid worth of N1.4 billion; 294,000 tablets of 225mg Tramadol HCL worthy N1.2 billion; Pregabalin 300mg worthy N1.2 billion; Norflex 50mg worthy N800 million; and Sardalud 2mg worthy N495 million, with a full worth of N5.1 billion.

“On 30th July 2025, a consignment with AWB fig 235-63882254/2 packages, antecedently placed nether surveillance, was evacuated from the NAHCO Import shed to the authorities warehouse and upon Joint Examination, it was confirmed that the 2 packages containing a Duvet were utilized to conceal 121 packs of Canadian Cannabis Sativa with a DPV of N1.4billion.

“Similarly, connected 24th September 2025, a consignment with AWB-071-58012706/6pkgs was arsenic suspected and evacuated from SAHCO Import Shed to the authorities warehouse and upon examination, it was recovered to incorporate 294,000 tablets of 225mg Tramadol HCL with the Duty Paid Value of N1.2billion.

Compt. Awe further stated that different seizure of Pregabalin tablets (300mg), Sardalud tablets (2mg), and Norflex tablets (50mg)—all of which are controlled medications—was besides uncovered during examination.

“In a related development, connected 17th September 2025, 2 consignments with AWB Nos: 071-58231670 and 071-58234433 were besides intercepted and evacuated from the NAHCO Import Shed to the Government Warehouse Upon examination, they were recovered to incorporate Pregabalin tablets (300mg), Sardalud tablets (2mg), and Norflex tablets (50mg)- each of which are controlled medications imported without the required certification.”

“The disturbing facet of this seizure is that the illicit drugs were deceptively branded arsenic 50mg Diclofenac Sodium. This unsafe signifier poses a sedate menace to nationalist health. We truthful impulse members of the nationalist to stay vigilant erstwhile purchasing medicine and to guarantee they lone bargain from verified and reputable sources.

Compt. Awe, however, reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance to smuggling of illicit and controlled drugs done the Lagos Airport.

“Let me, astatine this point, reaffirm that the Command, successful collaboration with spouse agencies and stakeholders, remains resolute successful its determination to frustrate each attempts astatine smuggling and illicit commercialized done this channel.

Also speaking, NAFDAC’s adjunct director, Pham Nwude Kelechi, said the seizure is mind-blowing and the bureau would spouse with Customs for further investigation.

Nwude, however, stated that nary hiding spot for anyone progressive successful the importation of illicit drugs into the state done the Lagos Airport.

“We are partnering with Customs for further investigation, and I privation to admit the Customs Controller for his enactment and collaboration with different sister agencies. This seizure is mind-blowing, and I privation to usage this mean to archer radical progressive successful illicit concern that determination is nary hiding place, and the much they do, the much we unravel and bring them to their knees,” she stated.