Lagos: A truck driver fled into a bush to escape arrest after Nigeria Customs Service operatives flagged down his vehicle along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin, Edo — only for a search of the abandoned truck to uncover tramadol capsules and other pharmaceutical products worth N1.05 billion.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday.
The Customs Area Controller, FOU Zone C, Comptroller Bishir Balogun, said the seizure was made through intelligence-driven and coordinated enforcement operations.
He explained that operatives intercepted a truck carrying the contraband.
According to him, the driver attempted to evade arrest after being flagged down, but later abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush.
Balogun said a thorough search of the truck revealed that the illicit drugs were concealed among legitimate goods in an attempt to evade detection.
He said the seized items had a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.05 billion.
The controller said the operation underscored the service’s commitment to curbing the smuggling of prohibited substances.
He noted that substances such as tramadol and codeine contribute to drug abuse and criminal activities across the country.
Balogun warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the service would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to safeguard public health and national security.
He added that the seized consignment remained in custody, while investigations were ongoing to apprehend those behind the illegal shipment.
