Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command have made a significant breakthrough in their ongoing fight against drug smuggling. In a historic operation, they seized two containers of Tramadol, with an estimated value of N9.7 billion, marking the first major drug interception since the command’s establishment.
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The seizure, which took place at the Lekki Deep Seaport, is a critical part of Customs’ efforts to prevent the influx of illicit substances into Nigeria. During a press briefing on November 6, 2024, Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Olanrewaju Abdulwahab Olumoh, underscored the serious risks posed by the illegal drug trade.
“Barely a month ago, the NCS, in collaboration with the NDLEA, successfully intercepted a 1×40ft container of Tramadol,” Olumoh stated. “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.”
The two containers, which originated from Pakistan, contained a total of 749 cartons of various Tramadol brands, including Royal Tramadol 225mg, Black Tramarking Tramadol Hydrochloride 225mg, and Trama King 225mg. The first container alone held 159 cartons of Royal Tramadol, 50 cartons of Black Tramarking Tramadol Hydrochloride, and 180 cartons of Tramaking Tramadol 225mg. The second container was found to contain 115 cartons of Trama King 225mg and 245 cartons of Trama 225mg.
Following the seizure, a formal handover ceremony was held, with Customs transferring the confiscated goods to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and action. In his remarks, Comptroller Olumoh emphasized the NCS’s dual commitment: promoting legitimate international trade while safeguarding Nigerian ports from the dangers of illegal imports.
“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,” Olumoh said.
“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.”
The CAC also reiterated the NCS’s critical responsibility to ensure that Nigeria’s ports and free zones do not become entry points for illicit goods. “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,” he stressed.
In addition to the drug seizure, Comptroller Olumoh highlighted the command’s impressive financial contribution to the Nigerian economy. Despite its recent establishment, the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command has already generated over N278 billion in revenue between January and October 2024.
Olumoh called for continued cooperation among various agencies to safeguard the nation’s ports and protect local communities from the devastating impact of illegal drug trafficking. “We will not relent in our efforts. The fight against drug smuggling is a collective responsibility, and we will continue to collaborate with all relevant agencies to ensure that our ports remain secure,” Olumoh affirmed.
