The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Katsina State Command, has intercepted a large consignment of illicit drugs valued at over N690 million. The seizure, described as one of the biggest in recent times in the state, involved cartons of banned pharmaceutical drugs and cannabis hidden in two vehicles.
Speaking to journalists in Katsina on Tuesday, the State Customs Controller, Mr. Idriss Abba-Aji, said the operation was part of the command’s renewed effort to tackle smuggling and drug trafficking, which are believed to be fuelling insecurity in the region.
According to Abba-Aji, operatives of the NCS intercepted 14 cartons of Tramadol -a banned painkiller often abused by youths—worth N650 million. In addition, Fragbaline capsules valued at N28 million and cannabis sativa estimated at N15 million were also seized.
“These seizures were made within the past two weeks during our regular patrol and intelligence-based operations,” he said.
The drugs were found hidden inside two different vehicles designed to look like they were transporting VIPs or high-profile individuals, the controller revealed. “You may think such vehicles are conveying dignitaries,” Abba-Aji noted. “Smugglers are getting more creative in the way they hide these substances. That’s why the public sees us stopping private vehicles. We have no choice.”
He stressed that drug traffickers no longer use trucks or open vehicles that would easily arouse suspicion. Instead, they opt for high-end or private vehicles, making it difficult for law enforcement officers to detect the illegal contents without thorough checks.
“Many complain that customs are disturbing commuters, but people must understand that we’re doing this to save our communities. If these drugs had entered Katsina or nearby states, the consequences could have been devastating,” he said.
The Customs boss further linked drug abuse to the rising wave of banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in the North-West region. He said many youths involved in these acts are under the influence of drugs like Tramadol and cannabis.
“We know that drug abuse is at the heart of most of the violent crimes we are witnessing in this region. That is why we are not treating this matter lightly. These substances are poison, and they are destroying our youths,” he said.
To curb the menace, Abba-Aji said the command had intensified border patrols, especially around illegal routes used by smugglers. Katsina State shares a long border with the Republic of Niger, making it a hotspot for cross-border smuggling and trafficking.
The seizures also included the arrest of the two vehicles used to convey the drugs. Although the Customs controller did not disclose if suspects were arrested, he noted that investigations are ongoing, and the command will ensure that those involved are brought to justice.
Mr. Abba-Aji appealed to the public to support the efforts of security agencies by providing credible information on suspicious activities in their communities. He also called for patience and understanding from motorists during search operations.
“We are not out to harass anyone. But we must do our job. And sometimes that means checking every car that comes through our checkpoints. We ask for understanding. It’s for everyone’s safety,” he stated.
The Katsina Command’s latest seizure comes as Nigeria continues to battle a surge in drug abuse and trafficking, particularly in the North. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has in recent years raised alarm over the high rate of Tramadol and other opioid abuse among youths.
Tramadol is a powerful painkiller that has been banned in Nigeria for non-medical use. It is known for its addictive effects and is widely abused by young people and criminals to suppress fear or enhance performance during violent acts.
Fragbaline, on the other hand, is a lesser-known drug often used in the treatment of nerve pain. Like Tramadol, it can be abused and lead to serious health consequences.
In recent years, government agencies have stepped up enforcement against the importation and distribution of these drugs, with the Customs Service playing a key role in intercepting such substances at the borders.
