In a major crackdown on smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted cannabis valued at ₦48.5 million and contraband goods worth over ₦220 million during operations in Kaduna State.
Spokesman of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, Saidu Nuruddeen, who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller, said the seizures were made on August 21, 2025, following credible intelligence.
According to Nuruddeen, operatives intercepted a vehicle along the Zaria Flyover on the Kaduna–Zaria Expressway, uncovering nine sacks containing 185 compressed blocks of Cannabis Sativa.
The consignment, weighing 89.6kg, carried a duty paid value of ₦48,562,500. A male suspect was arrested at the scene and handed over, along with the drugs, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted three vehicles transporting smuggled goods. Items seized included 50kg of foreign parboiled rice, 8,100 litres of petrol, 178 bales of second-hand clothes, 225 cartons of spaghetti, 107 used tyres, and 37 pieces of electric shockers.
The duty paid value of the contraband was put at ₦220,457,336.48.
The Service reiterated its commitment to intensifying anti-smuggling operations across the region, stressing the importance of inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and protecting the economy.
