The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a massive consignment of hard drugs and expired flour valued at ₦1.9 billion during a special operation at the Seme border, in what officials described as one of the largest seizures in recent months.
The Area Controller of the Seme Command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, announced the development while briefing journalists on Friday. He said the operation was carried out after weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance along the Seme–Krake border corridor between Nigeria and the Benin Republic.
According to him, the seized items included large quantities of tramadol, codeine, and other controlled substances concealed within sacks of imported flour that had expired. The operation, he said, was part of the Service’s renewed efforts to combat smuggling, drug trafficking, and importation of unwholesome goods into the country.
“The total duty-paid value of the seized items stands at ₦1.9 billion. Our officers intercepted the contraband following credible intelligence. The smugglers had ingeniously concealed the drugs among expired flour to evade detection,” Bomodi explained.
He said the contraband was discovered in two separate trucks attempting to enter Nigeria through the border, adding that both drivers abandoned their vehicles and fled upon sighting customs officers. “Our men gave a hot chase, but the suspects managed to escape into nearby bushes. However, investigations are ongoing to track down the owners of the goods,” he said.
The Area Controller emphasized that the seizure highlights the dangers of illicit trade and its impact on public health and national security. “These expired and dangerous substances pose serious risks to the wellbeing of citizens. The Nigeria Customs Service will not relent in safeguarding our borders from economic saboteurs,” he added.
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He commended the efforts of officers and men of the command, as well as the collaboration with other security agencies including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“We will continue to strengthen inter-agency cooperation to ensure our borders are secure. The protection of Nigerian lives and the integrity of our economy remain our top priorities,” he assured.
Bomodi also used the opportunity to warn smugglers and their collaborators to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the Seme Command has enhanced its surveillance systems and operational capacity to detect concealed goods.
In recent months, the Customs Service has intensified enforcement operations across key borders, seizing various contraband items including rice, petroleum products, and narcotics worth billions of naira.
The seized drugs and expired flour, according to Bomodi, will be handed over to relevant authorities for proper examination and destruction in accordance with Nigerian law.