The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on Friday August 16, announced the seizure of 21 contraband drugs including tramadol valued at over N5 billion.

The drugs were intercepted when its smugglers attempted to move them from Lagos to other parts of the country during the last the Eid-el-Kabir.  National Public Relations Officer (NPRO) of NCS, Assistant Comptroller Joseph Attah confirmed the seizure and further disclosed that the warehouse where the drugs were stocked was immediately sealed with a detachment of well armed officers to guard the place.

”On Aug. 13, at about 2 am, operatives of the Headquarters Strike Force Zone A intercepted a truck laden with dreaded codeine, tramadol and other controlled pain killers along Maryland, Ikeja road.

“The intercepted trailer contains illicit drugs and was immediately brought to the attention of the team leader of the force, Assist. Comptroller of Customs Usman Yahya, who deepened preliminary investigation that led to the discovery of a warehouse along Oshodi-Mile 2 road.

“The warehouse was stocked with tramadol, codeine and other unregistered pharmaceutical products without the National Agency for Foods Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) number,” Attah said.

He told newsmen that the truck's driver was apprehended, while a manhunt to arrest other members of the smuggling gang is already in play.