The Comptroller of Customs, Muritala Muhammed Area Command, Mathew Taiwo Awe, announced the seizure of imported illegal drugs through the MMAC command valued at over four billion, five hundred million naira (#4.5billion).
The brief hand over ceremony which took place at the command warehouse was witnessed by critical stakeholders in cargo management in the area.
Awe who described the seizure as spectacular, commended his officers and other sister agencies for their eagle eyes and unwavering commitment in making sure that, the drugs were not smuggled into the society.
The illicit drugs according to him were carefully packaged in such a way that, it would be difficult to dictate if not for the professionalism and alertness of the officers on duty on the fateful day. According to him;
” On the 30 July 2025, a consignment with AWB number ; 235-63882254/2 packages, previously placed on surveillance was evacuated from NACHO Import Shed to the Government Warehouse. Upon joint examination, it was confirmed that two packages containing Duvet was used to cancel 121 packs of Canadian Cannabis Sativa, with a Duty Paid Value of #1.3billion naira.
Similarly, on 2nd September 2025, a consignment with AWB- 07158012706/6pack-ages was equally suspected and evacuated from SAHCO Import Shed to Government Warehouse. Upon examination, it was found to contain 294,000 tablets of 225mg Tramadol HCL with the duty paid value of #1.2billion”.
Other drugs like Pregabalin tablets (300mg), Sardalud tablets (2mg), and Norflex tablets (50mg), he said were all imported into the country by yet to be identified traffickers, without the approval and required government certification which NAFDAC represents in this case.
The Comptroller expressed worry that, the seized illicit drugs were deceptively branded as 50mg Diclofenac Sodium saying that, such drugs have the potency to destroy many lives if it found its way into country. While investigation is still on going to unravel those who were behind this importation, the comptroller warns that Nigerians should be vigilant.
The NAFDAC representative, pharmacist Nwude, who received the drugs on behalf of her agency pledged total support while investigation to unearth those behind these drugs lasts. The Chairman, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Hon Bola Asiru – Balogun also pledged it’s association support to the Nigerian Customs all the way, by ensuring that it’s members have nothing to do with banned substance and other dangerous cargoes that are harmful to human health.
