The Federal Operations Unit FOU Zone C, Owerri, of the Nigeria Customs Service has smashed an illicit drug syndicate, marking a major breakthrough in the fight against illicit drug trafficking in the country. The Unit seized a total of 1,025, 000 tablets of Tramadol and 10,000 bottles of Barcadin Codeine Syrup worth N1.056billion along Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin, Edo State.

According to the Head of the Unit, Comptroller Bishir Balogun, the seizures were made possible through strategic intelligence and coordinated enforcement, which enabled the operatives to intercept a truck loaded with over one million tablets of Tramadol and 10,000 bottles of the 100ml Barcadin Codeine syrup on March 15, 2026, along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin City, Edo State.

He further disclosed when flagged down, the driver attempted to evade officers but was forced to park, jumped out, and fled into nearby bushland.

It was gathered that a subsequent search on the vehicle revealed the drugs cleverly concealed among legitimate goods to evade detection. The seized drugs have a total Duty Paid Value DPV, of N1.056billion (One Billion and Fifty-Six Million Naira Only).

“This operation underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to curbing the smuggling of prohibited substances like Tramadol and Codeine, which fuel drug addiction and crime nationwide”, Comptroller Balogun said.

He warned smugglers and criminal networks to abandon their illegal activities, as the Nigeria Customs Service will continue deploying intelligence-led strategies to safeguard public health and national security.

The seized consignment is in custody, with investigations underway to apprehend those responsible.