The Nigerian Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, has arrested three suspects in connection with the seizure of illicit drugs and controlled substances estimated at N3.95 billion in street value.
The Customs Area Controller of FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu, disclosed this on Thursday in Ikeja during the handover of the seized contraband to relevant government agencies.
According to Aliyu, the seizures included 3,116.9kg of synthetic cannabis, cannabis, crystal meth, tramadol, codeine syrup, Hypnox tablets and other psychotropic substances intercepted along border corridors, highways and strategic locations within the unit’s area of responsibility.
He said Customs officers also intercepted a truck allegedly used to conceal and transport 326 parcels of cannabis, with two suspects linked to the seizure. The suspects, alongside the other arrested individuals, will be transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
Aliyu said the operation was part of the unit’s sustained campaign against drug trafficking syndicates and trans-border criminal networks, stressing that illicit substances contribute to addiction, violence and other social problems.
In a related development, Customs officers intercepted four cylinders of high-grade mercury allegedly destined for artisanal gold mining. The substance will be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for investigation and regulatory action.
The Customs Area Controller emphasised the importance of inter-agency cooperation, noting that no single agency can effectively tackle the increasingly complex nature of smuggling and trans-border crime.
He assured that the unit would continue to facilitate legitimate trade while preventing the movement of prohibited, harmful and improperly regulated goods.
