Customs seizes over N5bn illicit drugs at Lagos airport
Agency Report
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disclosed it made a major breakthrough in its fight against the export and import of dangerous and illicit drugs into the country as it intercepted various drugs valued at over N5.1 billion imported into Nigeria from India and Canada at the cargo section at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.
Customs Area Comptroller of the MMIA Command, Compt. Michael Awe, who displayed the drugs to journalists Thursday, explained that the seized items will be submitted to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for analysis.
A breakdown of the dangerous drugs included 121 packs of Canadian Cannabis with a duty paid value of N1.4billion; Pregabalin 300mg worth N1.2billion, 294,000 tablets of 225mg Tramadol HCL worth N1.2billion; Norflex 50mg worth N800 Million and Sardalud 2mg worth N495 Million with a total value of N5.1billion.
According to Comptroller Awe, “On 30th July 2025, a consignment with AWB number 235-63882254/2 packages, previously placed under surveillance, was evacuated from the NAHCO Import shed to the government warehouse and upon Joint Examination, it was confirmed that the 2 packages containing a Duvet were used to conceal 121 packs of Canadian Cannabis Sativa with a DPV of N1.4billion.
“Similarly, on 24th September 2025, a consignment with AWB-071-58012706/6pkgs was equally suspected and evacuated from SAHCO Import Shed to the government warehouse and upon examination, it was found to contain 294,000 tablets of 225mg Tramadol HCL with the Duty Paid Value of N1.2billion,”
Compt. Awe further stated that another seizure of Pregabalin tablets (300mg), Sirdalud tablets (2mg), and Norflex tablets (50mg)- all of which are controlled medications were also uncovered during examination.
“In a related development, on 17th September 2025, two consignments with AWB Nos: 071-58231670 and 071-58234433 were also intercepted and evacuated from the NAHCO Import Shed to the Government Warehouse Upon examination, they were found to contain Pregabalin tablets (300mg), Sirdalud tablets (2mg), and Norflex tablets (50mg)- all of which are controlled medications imported without the required certification.”
He added that the seizures were deceptively branded as 50mg Diclofenac Sodium to assume they were healthy substances to unsuspecting Nigerians and said “This dangerous practice poses a grave threat to public health.”
“We therefore urge members of the public to remain vigilant when purchasing medication and to ensure they only buy from verified and reputable sources,” he said.
Awe warned importers of such items from further activities as he affirmed the Command’s zero tolerance to smuggling of illicit and controlled drugs through the Lagos Airport.
Also speaking, Assistant Director of NAFDAC, Pham Nwude Kelechi commended the vigilance of the Customs and affirmed the agency’s collaboration with Customs in carrying out investigations into the substances.
The NAFDAC official declared that illicit drug traffickers should realise that there is no longer any hiding place to perpetuate their activities in any airports in the country.
