Customs Foil 473 Smuggling Attempts, Seize Cocaine, Cannabis Worth Billions in South-West Operations
Customs Foil 473 Smuggling Attempts, Seize Cocaine, Cannabis Worth Billions in South-West Operations
Customs Foil 473 Smuggling Attempts, Seize Cocaine, Cannabis Worth Billions in South-West Operations
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, has recorded a major enforcement breakthrough, intercepting cocaine, cannabis, and other prohibited goods while foiling 473 smuggling attempts across the South-West region within eight weeks.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu disclosed that the Unit, under its special anti-narcotics operation codenamed Operation Hawk, seized 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis known as “Ghanaian Loud,” with a total weight of 1,540 kilograms.
According to him, intelligence-led operations revealed evolving tactics by smuggling networks, necessitating stronger inter-agency coordination and enhanced surveillance.
“This effort is an affirmation of our commitment to the fight against drug-smuggling syndicates in the Zone. Traffickers are devising different methods to perpetuate illicit trade; therefore, stakeholders must upscale intelligence sharing to completely cut the supply chain,” Aliyu said.
In a separate operation along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor, Customs officers intercepted a Toyota Highlander conveying a 71-year-old suspect, leading to the recovery of 6.4 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine valued at approximately ₦2.35 billion.
Aliyu further revealed that the Unit also seized 8,794 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 22 used vehicles, 485 used tyres, and other prohibited items with a total Duty Paid Value exceeding ₦5.5 billion.
He added that a consignment of four cylinders containing high-grade mercury was intercepted at the Gbaji outpost, describing it as a serious environmental hazard. The substance, he said, would be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for appropriate action.
On revenue recovery, the Comptroller noted that the Unit generated over ₦97.7 million through demand notices issued on under-declared and improperly documented consignments.
Reaffirming the Unit’s commitment, Aliyu stressed that enforcement efforts would continue alongside trade facilitation using intelligence-driven and technology-supported operations.
“While we maintain vigilance against smuggling, fraud and criminalities, the FOU remains a strong partner in trade facilitation. We continue to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that balance security enforcement with economic growth,” he said.
The seized drugs and three suspects were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
Customs Foil 473 Smuggling Attempts, Seize Cocaine, Cannabis Worth Billions in South-West Operations
