The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted illicit drugs and other controlled substances worth an estimated N3.95 billion in the South-West, arresting three suspects in connection with the seizures.

The items, which included synthetic cannabis, Tramadol, Codeine syrup, crystal meth and other psychotropic substances, were intercepted along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within the unit’s area of responsibility.

Speaking yesterday during the handover of the seized substances to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the NCS office in Ikeja, the Controller of FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu, said the operation was part of the unit’s sustained campaign against drug trafficking and other forms of smuggling.

According to Aliyu, the seizures included 5,669 parcels and 19 packs of synthetic cannabis weighing 3,116.9 kilogrammes; three and a half packs of ground cannabis weighing 3.45 kilogrammes; two packs of granular cannabis weighing one kilogramme; and 11 packs of granular cannabis weighing 0.35 kilogramme.

Other items recovered were 49 wraps of cannabis weighing 26.1 kilogrammes, one wrap of crystal meth weighing 0.35 kilogramme and Blackwood Russian Cream Cigars.

The Customs controller also disclosed the seizure of 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of 225mg and 100mg tramadol tablets, 1,200 Hypnox tablets and 97 bottles of Codeine syrup.

He said Customs officers also intercepted a truck allegedly used to conceal and transport 326 parcels of cannabis, adding that the vehicle and two suspects linked to the seizure would be handed over to the NDLEA.

Aliyu said three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and would also be transferred to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution in line with the agency’s statutory mandate.

He said the substances would undergo forensic examination and other investigative processes by the NDLEA, while the agency would also take responsibility for their secure storage and eventual disposal in accordance with the law.

According to him, the smuggling of illicit drugs posed serious threats to public health and security, as the substances could fuel addiction, criminality, violence and other social problems.

“Customs will continue to support the NDLEA by disrupting the movement of narcotics and other illicit goods across the country’s borders,” he said.

In a related development, Aliyu said Customs officers had also intercepted four cylinders containing high-grade mercury allegedly destined for use in small-scale artisanal gold mining.

He described mercury as a dual-purpose chemical that was susceptible to diversion for unauthorised uses, adding that the substance would be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for investigation and appropriate regulatory action.

Aliyu put the combined estimated street value of the seized narcotics and mercury at about N3.9 billion.

He recalled the recent joint destruction of more than 300 tonnes of psychotropic substances, saying the latest seizures and handover further demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting public health and national security.

He stressed that the operation also underscored the importance of collaboration among law enforcement and regulatory agencies in tackling smuggling, drug trafficking and environmental crimes.

“No single agency can effectively confront the complex nature of contemporary smuggling and trans-border criminality alone,” he said.

The Customs controller called for sustained information sharing, joint operations, intelligence fusion, coordinated profiling and capacity building among the NCS, NDLEA, NESREA and other security and regulatory agencies.

He assured that FOU Zone A would continue to facilitate legitimate trade while preventing the movement of prohibited, harmful and improperly regulated goods.