The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, has handed over narcotics valued at ₦3.951 billion and three suspects linked to the seizures to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Four cylinders of high-grade mercury were also handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
The Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, who handed over the items on Thursday, 3 September 2026, at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, said the seizures were recorded through sustained anti-smuggling operations targeting drug trafficking networks along border corridors, major highways and other strategic locations within the Unit’s Area of Responsibility.
He said the seized narcotics comprised 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks of synthetic cannabis sativa weighing 3,116.9kg; three-and-a-half packs of ground cannabis, also known as skunk, weighing 3.45kg; two packs of granulated skunk weighing 1kg; 11 smaller packs weighing 0.35kg; 49 wraps weighing 26.1kg; and one wrap of crystal methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg. Other items included 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of Tramadol tablets in 225mg and 100mg doses, 1,200 Hypnox 1mg tablets and 97 bottles of codeine syrup.
Aliyu disclosed that three suspects were also handed over to the NDLEA following their arrest in connection with the seizures. He stressed the negative impact of illicit substances on public health, national security and society.
“The illicit movement of cannabis sativa and other controlled substances poses a serious threat to public health, national security and the future of our young people. Such substances fuel addiction, criminality, violence and other social problems,” he said.
He added that four cylinders of high-grade mercury, each weighing 34.5kg, were intercepted along the Lagos-Abeokuta corridor and handed over to NESREA. “This item has dual purposes, it has significant environmental hazards and it is controlled by MINIMATA CONVENTION,” he said.
“No single agency can effectively confront the complex nature of contemporary smuggling and trans-border criminality alone. Our collaboration must therefore continue through information sharing, joint operations, coordinated intelligence, capacity building and prompt transfer of items that fall within the jurisdiction of partner agencies,” he added.
The seized narcotics and mercury were formally handed over to representatives of the NDLEA and NESREA respectively. The agencies commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its continued collaboration with sister agencies in combating smuggling and trans-border crime.