Customs FOU ‘Zone ‘A’ Arrests 3 Suspects, Hands Over N3.95b Cannabis, Others To NDLEA

PHOTO: Comptroller FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu; hands over Cannabis seizures to the representative of thd NDLEA) in Lagos….TODAY.

By Saheed Olatunji, Reporter

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, handed over N3.95 billion worth of intercepted narcotics and pharmaceuticals to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for investigation

Three suspected smugglers, Spynews learnt, were Arrested in connection with the seizures.

On Thursday, the Service formally transferred thousands of seized drug parcels to the NDLEA at the FOU Zone ‘A’ headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.

The massive haul included cannabis, crystal methamphetamine, Tramadol, Hypnox tablets, and Codeine syrup..

Comptroller of the unit, Gambo Aliyu explained that ongoing intelligence operations along borders and roads led to the seizures.

He stated that Customs intercepted 3,116.9kg of synthetic cannabis—comprising 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks—along with other cannabis products and a 0.35kg wrap of crystal methamphetamine
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Other seized narcotics included 26.1 kg of cannabis (skunk) in 49 wraps, 3.45 kg of ground cannabis in 3½ packs, 1 kg of granulated cannabis in two packs, and 0.35 kg in 11 small packs.

The unit also seized 24 packets of Backwoods Russian Cream Cigars. Additionally, pharmaceutical products handed over to the NDLEA included 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of Tramadol (225mg and 100mg), 1,200 Hypnox tablets, and 97 bottles of codeine syrup..

Aliyu said three suspects arrested in connection with the seizures would also be handed over to the NDLEA alongside the narcotic substances.

He described the illicit movement of controlled substances as a major threat to public health, national security and the future of young Nigerians, warning that drug trafficking fuels addiction, criminality and violence.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, through strengthening the integrity of the supply chain, would continue to support the efforts of the NDLEA by disrupting the movement of narcotic drugs and illicit goods across Nigeria’s borders,” he said.

The Customs boss also disclosed the interception of four cylinders of high-grade mercury, each weighing 34.5kg, which he said was used in small-scale illegal gold mining.

He explained that the chemical, which has significant environmental hazards, is controlled under the Minamata Convention and would be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for appropriate action.

Aliyu stressed that effective enforcement against smuggling and trans-border crime required stronger inter-agency collaboration through intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated enforcement.

He assured that FOU Zone ‘A’ would maintain patrols, surveillance, and intelligence-led operations to block illegal and harmful goods while supporting legitimate trade.

This handover, he added, reflects the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to safeguarding public health, environmental safety, and national security.