The Nigerian Customs Service has intercepted 490,000 illicit pharmaceutical drugs in a sweeping operation that exposed the scale of trafficking threatening public health and security in the region.
Consisting of high-strength painkillers and other restricted medications, the confiscated substances were concealed in sacks to disguise their movement, a tactic the agency says is becoming increasingly common among smugglers.
The seized contraband included 261,750 capsules of Polyglycine (300mg) and 228,700 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride (225mg), carefully packaged in 35 packets and 28 rolls, respectively, to avoid detection during transit.
During the operation, carried out by operatives of the Kano/Jigawa Command, a male suspect was arrested after allegedly attempting to bribe Customs officers with ₦455,500.
In addition to the arrest, the agency recovered the cash, along with a black-tinted green Nissan Pathfinder (registration number DUT196AE) and a cutting knife believed to have been used in concealing the drugs.
Speaking to journalists, the command’s Area Comptroller, Dalhatu Abubakar, described the seizure as part of an ongoing clampdown on illicit drugs in line with the Nigerian Customs Service Act, 2023.
“These drugs are not just illegal, they are a danger to our communities,” Abubakar said. “Their abuse leads to organ failure, addiction, and, in many cases, violent behaviour among young people. That is why we are determined to keep them off the streets.”
Abubakar further linked the smuggling of pharmaceutical drugs to the rising insecurity across the country.
According to him, criminal gangs and bandits often rely on these substances to embolden their operations, while widespread abuse among youths fuels social decay.
The seized drugs were later handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and the prosecution of those involved.
NDLEA Kano Commander, Mohammad Aduwa, assured that the collaboration between security agencies would remain strong in decimating illegal drug cartels in the state.
“Our partnership with Customs is producing tangible results. We will pursue every lead to ensure those behind this trafficking network are brought to justice,” Aduwa stated.
