The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a large consignment of illicit drugs worth N18m from suspected smugglers at the Mfum Border in Cross River State.
The seizure was carried out by the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Area Command of the NCS and involved 659 units of controlled pharmaceutical substances.
The items have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.
The intercepted substances include 216 units each of Pethidine 100mg and Morphine Sulphate, 108 units of Fentanyl 50mm, 37 packets of Phenobarbital, 37 units of Sodium Sterop, 33 units of Midazolam Mylan, and 26 units of Sodium Injectables.
Speaking during the official handover at the NCS Command Headquarters in Calabar on Wednesday, Area Comptroller, Gabriel Ogbonna, lauded his officers for their vigilance, describing the operation as a testament to the strong partnership between the NCS and NDLEA.
“On behalf of the Comptroller General of the NCS, I hereby hand over these items to the NDLEA,” Ogbonna said. “This seizure is not just a success story; it is a learning point for our younger officers to appreciate the value of inter-agency collaboration.”
He emphasised that the operation reflected the growing synergy between both agencies and highlights their shared commitment to national security.
In her remarks, the NDLEA Commander in Cross River State, Rachael Umebuali, expressed gratitude for the Customs’ ongoing support, stressing the importance of cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.
“This partnership enhances our operational efficiency and ensures that our services to Nigerians remain impactful and effective,” she stated.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to track down those responsible for the smuggling operation.