Customs Intercept Illicit Drugs Worth N5.1bn From India, Canada At Lagos Airport

The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced on Thursday that it intercepted illicit drugs worth over N5.1 billion imported into the country from India and Canada.
The Customs Area Controller, Compt. Michael Awe, disclosed this while showcasing the seized drugs at the Command’s headquarters in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Customs boss stated that no suspects were arrested concerning the seizure. Still, the seized items would be handed over to the National Agency for Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.

According to him, the seized items are 121 packs of Canadian Cannabis with a duty-paid value of N1.4 billion; 294,000 tablets of 225mg Tramadol HCL worth N1.2 billion; Pregabalin 300mg worth N1.2 billion; Norflex 50mg worth N800 million; and Sardalud 2mg worth N495 million, with a total value of N5.1 billion.

“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), Sardalud tablets (2mg), and Norflex tablets (50mg)—all of which are controlled medications—was 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), Sardalud tablets (2mg), and Norflex tablets (50mg)- all of which are controlled medications imported without the required certification.”

“The disturbing aspect of this seizure is that the illicit drugs were deceptively branded as 50mg Diclofenac Sodium. 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.

Compt. Awe, however, reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance to smuggling of illicit and controlled drugs through the Lagos Airport.

“Let me, at this point, reaffirm that the Command, in collaboration with partner agencies and stakeholders, remains resolute in its determination to frustrate all attempts at smuggling and illicit trade through this channel.

Also speaking, NAFDAC’s assistant director, Pham Nwude Kelechi, said the seizure is mind-blowing and the agency would partner with Customs for further investigation.

Nwude, however, stated that no hiding place for anyone involved in the importation of illicit drugs into the country through the Lagos Airport.

“We are partnering with Customs for further investigation, and I want to appreciate the Customs Controller for his support and collaboration with other sister agencies. This seizure is mind-blowing, and I want to use this medium to tell people involved in illicit business that there is no hiding place, and the more they do, the more we unravel and bring them to their knees,” she stated.