Customs Seizes Pharmaceutical Items Illicit Worth over N18m at Mfum Border
Samuel Mobolaji
The Nigeria Customs Service has seized a significant quantity of controlled pharmaceutical items at the Mfum Border in Cross River State.
This confiscation, which took place on 29 March 2025, was made public during a handover ceremony led by Comptroller Chukwudi Gabriel Ogbonna, Customs Area Controller for the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command.
During a press briefing, Comptroller Ogbonna revealed that officers on duty intercepted a total of 649 units of restricted drugs, including 37 units of Phenobarbital Sodium Sterop 100mg, 216 units of Pethidine 100mg Solution Injection, 108 units of Fentanyl 50mm, 216 units of Morphine Sulphate 10mg/ml, 49 units of Phenobarbital Sodium Injection, and 23 units of Midazolam Mylan 5mg/ml.
“These substances are highly regulated, and their transportation without the necessary authorisation poses a serious risk to public health and national security,” Ogbonna warned.
In accordance with the agreement between the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the seized items were officially handed over to the NDLEA, Cross River State Command.
“Cooperation among agencies such as ours is essential. This handover exemplifies how collaboration leads to success,” Commander Omobulia stated.
Comptroller Ogbonna reiterated that this achievement reflects the strong partnership between the two agencies and encouraged all operatives to work collectively in the national interest.
“Today’s event showcases the effectiveness of teamwork. By harnessing each other’s strengths, we can better serve and protect our country,” he affirmed.
The NDLEA intends to conduct further investigations to trace the origin and intended destination of the seized drugs.
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