The Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced the seizure of tramadol worth N1.8 billion between January and March 2023.

The tramadol was imported from India and Pakistan, according to Mohammed Yusuf, the Area Controller of the command, who revealed this during a press conference in Lagos.

Yusuf stated that the seized tramadol packets exceeded the allowable threshold for importation into the country as per the law.

The tramadol was discovered in 22 packets of 225mg and 12 packets of 120mg, concealed in shipments from India and Pakistan, which arrived through the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company Limited and Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited.

The seizures were the result of intelligence-based operations conducted at the airport.

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The total value of the seizure, based on duty paid, amounted to N1.8 billion. Yusuf further mentioned that the confiscated drugs would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further action.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between agencies in safeguarding Nigerian youth from the use of harmful substances, which pose risks to their lives and the environment.

The customs command intends to intensify efforts in creating safer communities.

Yusuf also reported that the command generated N21.4 billion in revenue between January and March 2023, reflecting a 22% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.

The revenue activities of the command encompass both legitimate imports and exports, as well as goods falling under the Economic Community of West African States Trade Liberalization Scheme.