Customs Intercepts Illicit Drugs Worth N5.1bn At Lagos Airport

The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), connected Thursday, announced the interception of illicit drugs worthy implicit N5.1billion imported into the state from India and Canada

This was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller, Compt. Michael Awe, portion showcasing the seized drugs astatine the Command’s office successful Lagos.

The Customs Area Controller who stated that nary fishy was arrested successful transportation with the seizure said 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 see 121 packs of Canadian Cannabis with a work paid worth of N1.4billion; 294,000 tablets of 225mg Tramadol HCL worthy N1.2billion; Pregabalin 300mg worthy N1.2billion Norflex 50mg worthy N800 Million and Sardalud 2mg worthy N495 Million with a full worth of N5.1billion.

“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,” the Customs Area Controller explained.

Compt. Awe further stated that different seizure of Pregabalin tablets (300mg), Sardalud tablets (2mg), and Norflex tablets (50mg)- each of which are controlled medications were 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.”

He said the disturbing facet of the 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,” helium said.

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

Assistant Director of NAFDAC, Pham Nwude Kelechi described the seizure arsenic mind-blowing assuring that the bureau would spouse with Customs for further investigation.

Nwude, however, pledged that determination volition not beryllium hiding spot for anyone progressive successful the importation of illicit drugs into the state done the Lagos Airport.