Hands over to NDLEA
From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
In a major anti-smuggling operation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a large consignment of tramadol valued at over N8.6 billion at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Speaking to journalists at the airport’s cargo terminal, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Olumide Adebisi, revealed that the seizure took place on Saturday, April 5, during an inspection of the concealed items.
Comptroller Adebisi condemned the activities of individuals trafficking illicit drugs under the pretext of legitimate trade.
“It is deeply troubling that some unpatriotic elements are determined to flood our communities with dangerous drugs simply for profit, even at the cost of human lives,” he said.
“These types of substances often end up in the hands of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, Boko Haram fighters, and other criminal elements threatening the peace of our nation,” he added.
He disclosed that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted tramadol stood at ₦8,654,800,000, emphasizing the Command’s commitment to intensifying enforcement efforts under his leadership.
Comptroller Adebisi also expressed appreciation for the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, noting that the FCT Command has received crucial institutional backing to strengthen its anti-smuggling operations.
“In line with the inter-agency collaboration promoted by the Comptroller-General, we have received approval to transfer the seized items to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),” he noted.
The illicit consignment was officially handed over to the NDLEA Commandant at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, CN Muhammad Jidda, in the presence of representatives from other security agencies.
Receiving the items, Commandant Jidda commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and continued cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.
“What we’re witnessing today is a model of inter-agency collaboration,” he stated.
“We sincerely commend the Nigeria Customs Service for their alertness and their refusal to allow Nigeria to become a dumping ground for psychotropic substances. The tramadol you see here would have caused untold harm had it reached the streets.”
Commandant Jidda further assured that the NDLEA would conduct a thorough investigation to trace the origin and destination of the consignment and would ensure that those responsible are prosecuted according to the law.
This latest seizure adds to a growing list of joint operations between the NCS and NDLEA as Nigeria intensifies its fight against drug trafficking and its links to national insecurity.