The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone C, Owerri, has intercepted over two million tramadol tablets and 10,000 bottles of barcadin codeine syrup valued at N1.056bn along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin City, Edo State.
The command described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Customs Area Controller of the unit, Bashir Balogun, said the seizure was made through intelligence-driven operations and coordinated enforcement.
According to him, operatives intercepted a truck conveying the drugs on March 15, 2026.
“The seized items include over two million tablets of tramadol and 10,000 bottles of barcadin codeine syrup (100ml each), with a total duty paid value of N1.056bn,” he said.
Balogun disclosed that the driver attempted to evade arrest when flagged down but later abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush.
A search of the truck revealed that the drugs were carefully concealed among legitimate goods in a bid to evade detection.
He noted that the interception highlights the service’s commitment to combating the smuggling of prohibited substances, which contribute to drug abuse and criminal activities.
The controller warned smugglers to desist from illegal operations, stressing that the service would continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies to protect public health and national security.
He added that the seized drugs are currently in custody, while investigations are ongoing to track down those behind the shipment.
