Customs Bust Drug Rings, Seize ₦2.35bn Cocaine in Southwest
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking and smuggling networks across the South-West, recording major seizures and interceptions under a special enforcement drive codenamed Operation Hawk.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Gambo Aliyu, disclosed that the unit foiled 473 smuggling attempts within the last eight weeks.
Aliyu said the operation led to the interception of 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud,” with a total weight of 1,540 kilograms.
He noted that the initiative underscores the Service’s determination to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates, warning that smugglers have continued to adopt evolving tactics to sustain illicit trade.
“Our analysis shows that traffickers are deploying new methods to perpetuate their activities. This calls for enhanced intelligence-sharing among critical security stakeholders to effectively disrupt the supply chain,” he said.
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In a separate operation along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor, customs operatives intercepted a Toyota Highlander, resulting in the arrest of a 71-year-old suspect. Recovered from the vehicle were 6.4 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine with an estimated street value of ₦2.35 billion.
Beyond narcotics, the unit also recorded significant seizures of other contraband items, including 8,794 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 22 used vehicles, and 485 used tyres. The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted goods exceeds ₦5.5 billion.
Aliyu further revealed that officers intercepted four cylinders of high-grade mercury concealed in a vehicle at the Gbaji outpost. He said the hazardous substance would be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for appropriate handling.
On revenue generation, the comptroller stated that the unit recovered over ₦97.7 million through demand notices issued on improperly declared consignments during the review period.
Reaffirming the unit’s operational strategy, Aliyu said FOU Zone ‘A’ would continue to leverage advanced technology and intelligence-driven enforcement to secure Nigeria’s borders while facilitating legitimate trade.
He added that the seized drugs and three suspects had been transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), where Commander Mohammed Kabiru is overseeing further investigations.
By PRNigeria
