By George Ozalla
The Nigeria Customs Service has Foiled an attempt to traffick N8.6 Billion Tramadol at Abuja Airport.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command made this significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, intercepting a massive consignment of tramadol valued at over ₦8.6 billion at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The seizure, carried out on April 5, 2025, was unveiled during a press briefing at the airport’s Cargo Terminal on April 7, 2025. The Customs Area Controller for the FCT Command led the inspection of the concealed items and condemned the actions of individuals trafficking illicit substances into the country under the guise of 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. 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.”
The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted tramadol stood at ₦8,654,800,000, reaffirming the NCS’s commitment to clamping down on smugglers operating within and beyond the FCT. The NCS commended the unwavering backing of its leadership, which has provided critical institutional support and operational leverage to intensify enforcement efforts.
“In line with the strong institutional synergy championed by our leadership, we have secured approval to transfer the seized items to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).”
The NCS handed over the seized items to the NDLEA Commandant of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the presence of representatives from other sister security agencies. The NDLEA Commandant commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and sustained collaboration with drug control agencies.
“What we’re witnessing today is a model example of inter-agency cooperation. 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.”
The NDLEA assured that it would proceed with a thorough investigation to trace the consignment’s origin and intended destination while reaffirming its readiness to prosecute culprits in accordance with the law. This latest operation adds to the growing list of collaborative seizures between the NCS and NDLEA, as Nigeria intensifies its war against drug trafficking and its dangerous ties to national insecurity.
