The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says its officers have intercepted 22 packages of suspected cocaine valued at about N1 billion along the Badagry–Seme corridor.
The seizure, carried out by the NCS Seme area command, was formally handed over on Friday at the federal operations unit zone A to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In a statement, Adewale Adeniyi, comptroller-general of customs, who was represented at the event by Timi Bomodi, deputy comptroller-general in charge of enforcement, investigation and inspection, said the interception occurred in the early hours of February 10 at about 3:00am.
“Our dedicated officers intercepted a Toyota Highlander carrying 22 packages suspected to be cocaine. These substances were carefully hidden in a special bunker underneath the vehicle’s axle, so expertly concealed that, for the eagle eyes of our officers, it would have been virtually impossible to detect,” Bomodi said.
He added that one suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure, noting that the operation was conducted by officers of the Seme Area Command led by Wale Adenuga.
“This operation demonstrates the Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and protecting society from the scourge of narcotics,” he said.
He added that collaboration among security agencies remains essential in tackling drug trafficking and related insecurity.
Customs authorities said the interception was carried out under provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers the service to enforce prohibitions related to public health and national security.
Receiving the seized drugs and the suspect on behalf of NDLEA, Abubakar Wali, assistant commander-feneral of the Lagos strategic command, commended the partnership between both agencies.
“The handover underscores the effectiveness of the MOU between the NDLEA and NCS, as well as the value of inter-agency collaboration in curbing cross-border drug trafficking,” Wali said.
