The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, Owerri, has intercepted 1,025,000 tablets of Tramadol and 10,000 bottles of Barcadin Codeine Syrup along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin, Edo State, in a major anti-smuggling operation described as a breakthrough in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
The Service said the seized items, valued at over N1 billion, were recovered through strategic intelligence and coordinated enforcement by its operatives.
The Controller of the Unit, Bishir Balogun, confirmed that the interception took place on March 15, 2026, during a targeted operation along the expressway.
“Our operatives intercepted a truck loaded with over 1 million tablets of Tramadol and 10,000 bottles of Barcadin Codeine syrup (100ml each) on March 15, 2026, along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin City, Edo State,” he said.
He further explained that the driver attempted to escape arrest during the operation.
When flagged down, Balogun said, “The driver attempted to evade officers but eventually parked, jumped out, and fled into nearby bushland.”
