Customs FOU ‘A’ Hands Over N180m Worth of Seized Tramadol, Two Suspects to NAFDAC

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has handed over a seized consignment of 596,700 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride 250mg, valued at N180 million, to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and prosecution.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, DC T.W. Watterson, who represented the Comptroller of the Unit, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, said the illicit pharmaceuticals were intercepted during intelligence-driven operations conducted along the Ijebu-Ode corridor between June 1 and 11, 2026.

According to him, the drugs were concealed in a Toyota Hilux vehicle, and two suspects have been arrested in connection with the seizure following coordinated surveillance and enforcement operations by Agbara team.

He noted that the interception formed part of ongoing efforts by the Service to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating across the Southwest region.

DC Watterson described the proliferation of illicit drugs as a major contributor to insecurity, stressing that the illegal importation and distribution of dangerous pharmaceuticals often fuel criminal activities.

He therefore called for stronger intelligence sharing and closer collaboration among relevant agencies to disrupt criminal supply chains and curb the menace.

The DC also reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding public health through sustained collaboration with NAFDAC and other stakeholders.

According to him, the handover underscores the shared resolve of both agencies to ensure that only safe, effective, and properly regulated products are available to Nigerian consumers.

While fielding questions from journalists on the origin of the seized substances, DC Watterson stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the products.

Receiving the seized pharmaceuticals and suspects on behalf of the Director-General of NAFDAC, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Apapa, Lagos, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for deepening inter-agency collaboration in the fight against illicit drugs and other regulated products.

He particularly praised the Service for not only handing over the seized consignment but also transferring the suspects linked to the case, describing the development as a significant step in strengthening enforcement efforts and ensuring successful prosecution.

According to him, the gesture demonstrates that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NAFDAC and the Nigeria Customs Service is yielding tangible results beyond formal agreements.

He noted that effective collaboration among security and regulatory agencies remains critical to disrupting criminal networks involved in the trafficking of dangerous substances.

Dr. Iluyomade, who is also the Chairman, Federal Task Force on Fake, Substandard and unwholesome products, said the willingness of Customs officers to go beyond seizures and ensure the arrest and transfer of suspects reflects a clear understanding of the importance of inter-agency cooperation in protecting public health and national security.

He also commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for fostering a culture of collaboration and intelligence sharing among government agencies.

“On behalf of the Director-General of NAFDAC, I expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Operations Unit Zone A for their professionalism, commitment, and dedication to safeguarding Nigerians from the dangers posed by illicit pharmaceuticals,” the DG said.