Nigeria Customs Intercepts Illicit Drugs worth N690m in Katsina, seizing Tramadol, Fragbaline, cannabis, and two vehicles used for concealment

valued at about N690 million in Katsina, with operatives confiscating consignments of Tramadol, Fragbaline capsules, and cannabis concealed in vehicles.

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The State Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idriss Abba-Aji, announced the seizures on Tuesday while briefing reporters. He disclosed that the interceptions took place within two weeks, with two vehicles used in transporting the drugs also impounded.

According to Abba-Aji, the command seized 14 cartons of Tramadol worth N650 million, Fragbaline capsules worth N28 million, and cannabis sativa valued at N15 million.

He explained that traffickers now disguise vehicles to resemble those of dignitaries, making detection more difficult.

“Recently, we noticed that our borders are used for drug smuggling. Drug traffickers conceal drugs inside vehicles designed to appear ordinary. This is why customs operatives must stop and search all vehicles,” he said.

The controller added that luck and vigilance played a role in the successful confiscation of the two vehicles, which were suspected to be distributing drugs within Katsina and neighbouring states.

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Abba-Aji stressed that drug abuse continues to fuel banditry in the region. To combat this menace, he said the command has intensified enforcement operations across border routes and highways.