Customs Hands Over ₦2.6bn Worth of Tramadol, Codeine, and ‘Loud’ to NDLEA in Imo; Controller Vows to Crush Trafficking Networks in the South-East

The Nigeria Customs Service has dealt a major blow to the illicit drug trade in the South-East, handing over a massive haul of prohibited substances worth over ₦2.6 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Owerri, Imo State. The transfer, which took place today Friday, April 24, 2026, marks one of the largest single-unit drug interdictions in the region this year.

The Customs Area Controller for Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone C, Bashir Balogun, disclosed that the seizures were the result of weeks of coordinated intelligence-led operations. The intercepted cargo contained a dangerous cocktail of pharmaceutical opioids and high-grade narcotics, including more than one million tablets of tramadol and over 21,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup. Also included in the handover were 685 sacks of cannabis sativa and several wraps of potent synthetic variants, such as “Colos” and “Scottish loud,” which have become increasingly prevalent in the “digital-age” drug market.

“This is not just a procedural exercise; it is a clear message to those who profit from the destruction of our youth,” Balogun stated during the handover ceremony. He emphasized that the misuse of these substances is a primary driver of high-profile criminal activities and social instability across the nation. By removing these items from circulation, the NCS aims to disrupt the financial “engine” that powers organized crime in the zone.

Receiving the items on behalf of the NDLEA, officials commended the “unwavering commitment” of the Customs unit, noting that such inter-agency synergy is critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders. The NDLEA has confirmed that the seized drugs will undergo further forensic analysis before being scheduled for public destruction.

As the 2027 political cycle approaches and concerns over internal security remain at the forefront of national discourse, the government has signaled its intent to tighten its grip on the “trenches” of drug trafficking. Controller Balogun urged the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to law enforcement, noting that the battle against narcotics requires a collective “renewed hope” in the safety and health of the Nigerian society.