Customs Intercepts Tramadol Worth Over N8.6 Billion at Abuja Airport, Hands Over Illicit Drugs to NDLEA
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has intercepted a massive consignment of tramadol valued at more than N8.6 billion at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The seizure, which took place on Saturday, 5 April 2025, was formally unveiled during a press briefing held on Monday, 7 April, at the Cargo Terminal of the airport. Comptroller Olumide Adebisi, Customs Area Controller for the FCT Command, led a detailed inspection of the intercepted cargo, which had been carefully concealed to evade detection.
Addressing members of the press, Comptroller Adebisi denounced the activities of individuals and syndicates trafficking illicit substances under the guise of legitimate trade.
“It is deeply troubling that some unpatriotic elements are determined to flood our communities with dangerous drugs simply for profit, even if it costs lives,” he lamented.
He further stated that such illicit substances often find their way into the hands of terrorist groups, bandits, kidnappers, and insurgents, thereby exacerbating national insecurity.
“These types of drugs often end up in the hands of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, Boko Haram fighters, and other criminal elements threatening the peace of our nation,” he warned.
According to Comptroller Adebisi, the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted tramadol stands at an astonishing N8,654,800,000. He affirmed the unwavering commitment of the NCS to dismantling smuggling networks within and beyond the FCT.
“We are resolute in our efforts. No matter how sophisticated their concealment tactics are, we will continue to intercept and disrupt these illicit flows,” he assured.
He also extended gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose leadership has provided critical institutional backing and operational leverage that has significantly enhanced the enforcement capabilities of the FCT Command.
“In line with the strong institutional synergy championed by the Comptroller-General, we have secured approval to transfer the seized items to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),” he added.
The official handover of the illicit cargo to the NDLEA was conducted in the presence of representatives from other sister security agencies.
Receiving the consignment, the NDLEA Commandant at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, CN Muhammad Jidda, praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and collaborative spirit.
“What we’re witnessing today is a model example of inter-agency cooperation,” Commandant Jidda remarked. “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 incalculable harm to communities had it found its way to the streets.”
He further disclosed that the NDLEA would immediately commence a thorough investigation to uncover the source and intended recipients of the seized drugs.
He reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to prosecute those behind the smuggling attempt in strict accordance with the law.
This operation adds to the growing list of successful collaborative efforts between the NCS and NDLEA, as both agencies intensify the national campaign against drug trafficking and its far-reaching links to insecurity across the country.
