Customs Seizes N2.64bn Illicit Drugs in Owerri Operation

The Nigeria Customs Service, through its Federal Operations Unit in Zone C, intercepted a large consignment of illicit drugs valued at N2.64 billion in Owerri, Southeast Nigeria. The operation, which took place over the weekend, was based on credible intelligence and involved sustained surveillance.

The seized items included 1,126,060 tablets of tramadol, 21,245 bottles of codeine syrup, 666 sacks of cannabis sativa, and various wraps of other cannabis products. Bashir Balogun, the Comptroller of the unit, emphasized the operation's significance in protecting the country from the dangers posed by illicit drugs, which threaten public health and national security.

He attributed the success of the seizure to effective inter-agency collaboration, particularly with the NDLEA, and stressed the importance of public cooperation in combating drug trafficking. The seized items were formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action.