By Ayo Kehinde
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted cocaine valued at ₦2.35 billion from a 71-year-old suspect along a major smuggling corridor linking Nigeria to neighbouring West African countries.
The seizure was announced on Tuesday in Lagos by Comptroller Gambo Aliyu during the formal handover of the drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to officials, the interception took place along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, a key regional route connecting Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Aliyu disclosed that customs operatives stopped a Toyota Highlander conveying 6.35kg of cocaine and arrested the elderly suspect in connection with the haul. The seized narcotics have since been transferred to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
Beyond the cocaine bust, the NCS reported a series of major seizures within the same period. Under “Operation Hawk”, officers recovered 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis weighing 1,540kg, alongside other contraband including explosives, petrol, and “Ghana Loud.” The combined value of these seizures exceeds ₦5.5 billion.
In a separate operation, customs officials intercepted four cylinders of mercury, each weighing 80kg. The hazardous substance, regulated under international environmental standards, will be handed over to relevant authorities.
Operations spanning Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo states led to the disruption of 473 smuggling attempts within eight weeks, while ₦97.7 million was recovered from underpaid duties.
NDLEA Commander, Ibrahim Kabiru, commended the customs service for its collaboration and professionalism, noting that multiple drug consignments and suspects were successfully handed over.
The growing frequency of such seizures highlights intensified enforcement efforts, but also underscores the scale of illicit trafficking across Nigeria.
