Customs FOU ‘A’ hands over N511.4m drugs to agencies
Lagos, Oct. 21, 2026, The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, has handed over seized pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs worth N511.4 million.
The Duty Paid Value of seized items was disclosed in a statement by the Unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Hussaini Abdullahi on Friday.
The handover ceremony took place at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, to regulatory agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, represented Acting Comptroller FOU Zone A, DC Oladapo Afeni at the event.
Oguntuase said that the seizures resulted from sustained intelligence-driven operations along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within Unit’s responsibility.
He explained that seized items comprised 121 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 65.9kg, 100g of methamphetamine, 400g of cocaine and synthetic cannabis.
Other items include 4.3kg of hybrid cannabis, 86 packs of polythene bags used to conceal drugs, 57 cartons of codeine syrup and two vehicles.
The Unit also handed over two male suspects, one in connection with each interception, alongside Toyota Hiace bus and Toyota Sienna vehicle.
He stated that at about 1300hrs on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, patrol team intercepted Toyota Hiace conveying suspected drugs along Lagos-Benin Expressway.
The interception occurred around Ore in Ondo State after acting on credible intelligence, with subsequent examination confirming substances as illicit drugs by NDLEA officials.
In a separate operation at about 1407hrs on Oct. 7, 2026, officers intercepted another vehicle along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway during routine surveillance patrol.
Examination of vehicle revealed 57 cartons of assorted brands of codeine syrup concealed, suspected to be unregistered pharmaceutical products requiring regulatory investigation.
Oguntuase stated handover underscored Service’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration in combating drug trafficking and circulation of unwholesome pharmaceutical products nationwide.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in mandate to protect nation’s borders, safeguard public health and support national security,” Oguntuase was quoted as saying.
He added that seizures and subsequent handover demonstrate importance of cooperation among security and regulatory agencies in denying criminal elements space to operate freely.
Receiving illicit drug exhibits, a suspect and vehicle, Deputy Commander of Narcotics Ganiyu Bolaji represented National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Lagos State Strategic Command at ceremony.
Bolaji commended Nigeria Customs Service, particularly FOU Zone A, for its commitment to inter-agency cooperation and sustained fight against drug trafficking nationwide.
He assured agency would handle transferred exhibits and suspect in accordance with law, while sustaining efforts to rid society of illicit drugs.
Similarly, Mrs Edith, Deputy Director in charge of Pharmaceuticals, who received seized codeine syrup on behalf of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), applauded Unit for interception.
The Unit reaffirmed commitment to continue fight against economic saboteurs, including illicit drugs trafficking and controlled pharmaceuticals, while facilitating legitimate businesses.
The Unit commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his purposeful leadership and unwavering support for enforcement operations across all Customs formations nationwide.
It noted that CGC’s strategic reforms, provision of logistics and encouragement of inter-agency synergy have enhanced FOU Zone A operational efficiency, leading to sustained seizures of illicit drugs.
