NCS) has reported the interception of illegal drugs valued at over N18 million

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported the interception of illegal drugs valued at over N18 million at the Mfum Border in Cross River State.

Comptroller Chukwudi Ogbonna, the Customs Area Controller for the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, made this announcement during a press conference in Calabar. The seizure occurred on March 29 and included a total of 649 units of controlled pharmaceutical substances.

The confiscated items were detailed by Comptroller Ogbonna as follows:
- 37 units of Phenobarbital Sodium Sterop 100mg
- 216 units of Pethidine 100mg Solution Injection
- 108 units of Fentanyl 50mm
- 216 units of Morphine Sulfate 10mg/ml
- 49 units of Phenobarbital Sodium Injection
- 23 units of Midazolam Mylan 5mg/ml Ogbonna emphasized the hazards associated with the unauthorized movement of controlled substances, warning of their potential threat to public health and national security. "These substances are highly regulated, and transporting them without the appropriate authorization poses serious risks to public health and national security," he stated. He credited the successful intercept to the diligence and commitment of Customs officers at the border.

Transfer to NDLEA: In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogbonna confirmed that the seized drugs would be handed over to the NDLEA Cross River State Command. The Comptroller underlined the significance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing national issues, remarking, "Today's event highlights the effectiveness of teamwork. By utilizing each other's strengths, we can better protect and serve our nation." NDLEA State Commander Rachel Umebuali expressed her appreciation for the professionalism of the Customs officers during the handover. "Collaboration among agencies like ours is essential. This handoff illustrates how cooperation leads to successful outcomes," Umebuali remarked. She added that the NDLEA would initiate investigations to trace the origin and intended recipient of the seized drugs.

Bosmanbusiness previously reported that the Apapa Ports Customs Command seized illicit drugs worth N1.1 billion concealed in four 40-foot containers. The haul, discovered during routine inspections at Apapa's APM Terminals and Kachicares Bonded Terminal, primarily involved cough syrup containing codeine and barcadin.

According to Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, a total of 236,783 bottles of the banned cough syrup were found in 2,174 cartons. The operation, which took place on October 11, 2024, revealed 34,800 bottles of CSP cough syrup in container MRKU0377493, packed in 174 cartons. This syrup was also found to have expired, posing significant public health risks associated with such illegal imports. On the same day, another inspection of a separate container at APM Terminals uncovered 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup in 100-bottle cartons. On October 15, 2024, a third container, TCKU6800526, labeled as containing essential goods, was discovered to have 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup. Additionally, another container at Kachicares Bonded Terminal, SUDU8579006, was found to have Barcadin cough syrup concealed among kitchen wares, packed in 1,584 cartons, with an extra 83 loose bottles located.