Customs Seize N1.056bn Drugs Along Benin Expressway

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone C, Owerri, has intercepted a large consignment of illicit drugs valued at over N1.05 billion along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin City, Edo State.

The seizure, which took place on March 15, 2026, included more than two million tablets of tramadol and 10,000 bottles of barcadin codeine syrup (100ml each), according to a statement released by the unit on Saturday.

The unit’s Customs Area Controller, Bashir Balogun, said the operation was a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking. He explained that acting on strategic intelligence, operatives flagged down a truck along the expressway.

“When flagged down, the driver attempted to evade officers but eventually parked, jumped out, and fled into the nearby bushland,” Balogun said. A subsequent search revealed the drugs cleverly concealed among legitimate goods to avoid detection.

The total duty paid value of the seized items stands at N1.056 billion.

Balogun warned smugglers and criminal networks to abandon their illegal activities, stressing that the service will continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies to safeguard public health and national security. He added that the seized consignment is now in custody, and investigations are underway to apprehend those responsible.