The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has intercepted 1,025,000 tablets of Tramadol and 10,000 bottles of Barcadin Codeine syrup along the Okada-Ofosu Expressway in Edo State.
The seizure was confirmed in a statement on April 11, 2026, by the Customs Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Bishir Balogun.
According to Balogun, operatives intercepted the truck on March 15, 2026, following credible intelligence. The driver attempted to evade arrest but later abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush.
A search revealed the illicit drugs were concealed among legitimate goods to avoid detection. The seized items have a Duty Paid Value of ₦1.056 billion.
Balogun said the interception reflects the Service’s commitment to curbing the smuggling of prohibited substances that fuel drug abuse and criminal activities.
He warned smugglers to desist from illegal acts, noting that the NCS will sustain intelligence-led operations to protect public health and national security.
The consignment remains in custody as investigations continue to apprehend those behind the shipment.