The Nigeria Customs Service has seized a shipment of illicit drugs worth N18 million from suspected smugglers in Cross River State.
The seizure, which occurred at the Mfum Border, was carried out by the Cross River-Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Area Command of the NCS.
A total of 659 units of controlled substances were recovered and have since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.
The intercepted drugs include 216 units of Pethidine 100mg, 216 units of Morphine Sulphate, 37 packets of Phenobarbital, 37 units of Sodium Sterop, 108 units of Fentanyl 50mm, 33 units of Midazolam Mylan, and 26 units of Sodium Injectables.
At the official handover ceremony held at the NCS Command Headquarters in Calabar on Wednesday, the Area Comptroller, Comptroller Gabriel Ogbonna, commended the vigilance and dedication of his officers, emphasising that the operation was a reflection of growing synergy between Customs and the NDLEA.
He said, “On behalf of the Comptroller General of the NCS, I hereby hand over these items to the NDLEA. This handover is in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between our agencies.
“Today’s event is not just about the seizure it is a learning point for younger officers in both agencies to understand the importance of collaboration. Together, we leverage each other’s strengths to promote national security and development.”
Receiving the items, the Commander of the NDLEA in Cross River State, Rachael Umebuali, applauded the NCS for its continued support and inter-agency cooperation.
She noted that such efforts enhance the operational efficiency of both organisations.
“We appreciate this gesture and partnership. This collaboration not only strengthens our operational capacity but also ensures our service to Nigerians is effective and impactful,” she said.
