Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lagos Free Trade Zone Command, have made a historic seizure of two containers of Tramadol valued at N9,725,000,000, marking the first such interception since the command’s inception.

During a press briefing at the Lekki Deep Sea Port on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Olanrewaju Olumoh, emphasized the dangers of importing illicit drugs.

He stated, "Barely a month ago, the NCS, in collaboration with the NDLEA, successfully intercepted a 1×40ft container of Tramadol. Unfortunately, we are recording another one today. This shows that these bad elements in our society are not ready to learn their lessons. Engaging in the importation of illicit drugs is not only a crime under the law but also a crime against humanity, especially given the associated health hazards and social disruptions it causes. Therefore, it has become imperative for all of us to collaborate with our partners to fight this cankerworm."

Details of the items imported from Pakistan include a 1×40ft container found to contain 159 cartons of Royal Tramadol 225mg (tablets), 50 cartons of Black Tramarking Tramadol Hydrochloride 225mg (tablets), and 180 cartons of Tramaking Tramadol 225mg (tablets).

Another 1×40ft container was found to contain 115 cartons of Trama King 225mg (tablets) and 245 cartons of Trama 225mg (tablets).

At a formal handover ceremony to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the CAC stressed the Service's commitment to promoting international trade and investment while preventing illicit items from entering the country.

“It should be borne in mind that, even though our command here is relatively young in terms of establishment, our location is strategic in the fight against illicit trade. In line with the vision of the CGC, we have been very committed to promoting international trade and investment, facilitating legitimate trade, and doing everything possible to advance the economic progress of the country, especially by making our seaport in Lekki the maritime hub of the West African sub-region,” Olumoh stated.

“However, in performing this role of facilitating a business-friendly environment, we have a critical responsibility to prevent our port and the free zones from becoming channels through which illicit items enter the country,” the CAC emphasized.