Seme Customs Area Command Seizes N1bn Cocaine, Hands Over Illicit Drug To NDLEA

Operatives of the Seme Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 22 compressed packages of cocaine weighing 25kg and valued at N1 billion along the Badagry–Seme expressway.

The feat is one of the largest to be impounded on the highway in recent times.

The narcotics were concealed in a Toyota Highlander and seized at about 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday by operatives of the Seme Area Command.

One suspect was arrested during the operation.

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi — represented by DCG Timi Bomodi — commended the officers’ vigilance, noting the operation was based on actionable intelligence.

He emphasised that the seizure reflects Customs’ mandate under Section 55(1) (c) of the NCS Act, 2023, which empowers the Service to enforce prohibitions on imports and exports that threaten public health and security.

The drugs, vehicle, and suspect were handed over to the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, led by Commander Abubakar Liman Wali, in line with the agencies’ Memorandum of Understanding on joint operations.

Adeniyi highlighted that the collaboration underscores a shared commitment to combating drug trafficking through intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement.

The CGC stressed that Customs’ role extends beyond revenue collection to safeguarding society against smuggling, illicit trade, and narcotics trafficking.

He praised the professionalism of officers at Seme Command and reaffirmed the Service’s dedication to a safer, healthier Nigeria.

The Controller of the Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, disclosed that the illicit substance was skillfully concealed within the vehicle’s bunker but uncovered during a thorough search.

He credited the Comptroller General’s leadership for facilitating the intelligence that led to the successful operation.