From left: DC Enforcement, FOU Zone A, DC Oluwaseun Oguntuase, who represented the acting Controller of the Unit, DC Oladapo Afeni hands over the items to an operative of the NDLEA, Lagos Command.

The Federal Operations Unit FOU Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over seized pharmaceutical products and narcotics with a total street value of ₦511.4million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC, for further action.

From left: DC Oguntuase hand over to an official of the NAFDAC.

A statement by the Unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Hussaini Abdullahi, disclosed that the seized smuggled items were made up of 121 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 65.9kg; 100g of methamphetamine; 400g of cocaine; 900g of ground synthetic cannabis; and 4.3kg of hybrid cannabis. Others include 86 packs of polythene bags used to conceal the illicit drugs; 57 cartons of codeine syrup- a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna, even as two male suspects, one in connection with each interception, have equally been handed over the agencies.

It was learnt that the handover took place at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja on Friday 16th October, 2026, which the statement argued was in line with the respective statutory mandates of the receiving agencies.

Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone A, DC Oladapo Afeni, who was represented by Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, while speaking at a brief event to handover the items, attributed the seizures to sustained intelligence-driven operations along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within the Unit’s area of coverage.

“At approximately 1300hrs on Saturday, October 10, 2026, a patrol team acting on intelligence intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus conveying the suspected illicit drugs concealed in polythene bags along the Lagos–Benin Expressway, around Ore in Ondo State and on subsequent examination and analysis by NDLEA officials, the items were confirmed to be substances.

“In a separate operation at approximately 1407hrs on 7 October 2026, officers intercepted another vehicle along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Examination of the vehicle revealed 57 cartons of assorted brands of codeine syrup”, the statement said

DC Afeni noted that the handover underscores the Service’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration in combating drug trafficking, the smuggling of controlled substances and the circulation of unwholesome pharmaceutical products.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its mandate to protect the nation’s borders, safeguard public health and support national security. These seizures and the subsequent handover demonstrate the importance of cooperation among security and regulatory agencies in denying criminal elements the space to operate.

“The Federal Operations Unit Zone A, under my watch is more than ever committed to continue to fight against economic saboteurs, including illicit drugs trafficking and controlled pharmaceuticals smugglers while facilitating legitimate trade and businesses”, DC Afeni said.

Meanwhile, the Commander, NDLEA Lagos State Strategic Command, Deputy Commander of Narcotics Ganiyu Bolaji, who received the illicit drug exhibits, a suspect and a vehicle on behalf of the Agency, commended the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly FOU Zone A, for its commitment to inter-agency cooperation.

He assured that the agency would handle the transferred exhibits and suspect in accordance with the law, while sustaining efforts to rid society of illicit drugs. Similarly, Mrs Edith, Deputy Director in charge of Pharmaceuticals, who received the seized codeine syrup on behalf of NAFDAC’s Director of Enforcement, applauded the Unit for the interception and assured it of sustained collaboration in combating illicit and substandard pharmaceutical products.