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| A Showcase of the illicit drugs Intercepted at the Lagos airport by MMA Command |
By Stella Okocha
Harboursandportcom: Lagos-September 19, 2025: The Muritala Mohammed Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service NCS, on Thursday 18th of September, showcased seizures of different illicit drugs Intercepted at the Lagos airport which had an accumulated Duty Paid Value DPV, of over 5.1 Billion naira .
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| Customs Area Controller, Matthew Awe Speaking at the press brief |
The Customs Area Controller, Matthew Awe, disclosed this information to journalists and stakeholders present during the press briefing, indicating that no suspect was arrested in connection to the seizure, and the command were handing over the seized items to the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Control, NAFDAC, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to carry out further investigations.
According to the CAC, the interception which happened at different times between July and September, consist of;,121 packs of Canadian Cannabis with a DPV of N1.4billion; 294,000 tablets of 225mg Tramadol HCL with DPV of N1.2billion; Pregabalin 300mg DPV N1.2billion, Norflex 50 mg with DPV N800 Million and Sardalud 2 mg worth N495 Million; suming the DPV up to a total sum of N5.1billion.
The controller who expressed deep concerns, also told journalists that the disturbing aspect of this seizure was that the illicit drugs were deceptively branded as 50mg Diclofenac Sodium; a dangerous practice which poses grave threat to public health, urging members of the public to remain vigilant when purchasing medication and to ensure that they only buy from verified and reputable source.
"On the 30 July 2025, a consignment with AWB number: 235-63882254/2 packages, previously placed on surveillance was evacuated from Nahco Import Shed to the Government Warehouse, Upon Joint Examination, it was confirmed that the 2 packages containing Duvet was used to conceal 121 packs of CANADIAN CANNABIS SATIVA, with a DUTY PAID VALUE OF =N= 1 Billion 389 Million 792 Thousand 994 Naira".
"Similarly, On 2nd September 2025, a consignment with AWB- 071-58012706/6pkgs was equally suspected and evacuated from SAHCO Import Shed to Government Warehouse. Upon examination, It was found to contain 294,000 tablets of 225mg Tramadol HCL with the Duty Paid Value of 1 Billion, 188 Million, 337 Thousand, 630 Naira, 11 Kobo.
"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 duty paid value of Pregabalin 300mg is =N= 1.2 Billion, Norflex 50mg is 800 Million, Sardalud 2mg is 495 Million, Totalling 2.495 Billion Naira.
The CAC also reaffirms 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 tHe Lagos airport route.
The Assistant Director of NAFDAC, Pham Nwude Kelechi, during the handing over, described the seizure as mind-blowing; assuring that the agency would partner with Customs for further investigation; he however, pledged that there will not be hiding place for anyone involved in the importation of illicit drugs into the country through the Lagos Airport route.
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