Customs seize tramadol, codeine worth ₦1.056bn in Benin

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (Zone C), Owerri, has announced the seizure of a large shipment of illicit pharmaceuticals, including over two million tramadol tablets and 10,000 bottles of barcadin codeine syrup valued at ₦1.056 billion, during an operation along the Okada–Ofosu Expressway in Benin City.

In a statement released on Saturday, the unit described the interception as a major success in its ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking and disrupt the distribution of controlled substances across the country.

The unit’s Customs Area Controller, Bashir Balogun, explained that through strategic intelligence and coordinated enforcement, “operatives intercepted a truck loaded with over 2 million tablets of tramadol and 10,000 bottles of barcadin codeine syrup (100ml each) on March 15, 2026, along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin City, Edo State.

“The seized drugs have a total duty paid value of N1.056bn,” he said.

Balogun stated that when flagged down, the driver attempted to evade officers but eventually parked, jumped out, and fled into nearby bushland, adding that a subsequent search revealed the drugs cleverly concealed among legitimate goods to evade detection.

Balogun stressed that the operation underscores the service’s unwavering commitment to curbing the smuggling of prohibited substances, which fuel drug addiction and crime nationwide.

He warned smugglers and criminal networks to abandon their illegal activities, stressing that the service will continue deploying intelligence-led strategies to safeguard public health and national security.