By Ehigimetor Igbaugba
The Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted controlled drugs valued at over N18 million at the Mfum Border in Cross River.
The Area Comptroller Chukwudi Ogbonna told journalists a press conference held in Calabar on Tuesday that the seizure occurred on March 29 and involved a total of 649 units of restricted drugs.
He credited the successful operation to the vigilance and dedication of officers on duty at the time.
The confiscated items included 37 units of Phenobarbital Sodium Sterop 100mg, 216 units of Pethidine 100mg Solution Injection, and 108 units of Fentanyl 50mm.
“These are highly regulated substances, and their movement without proper authorisation poses a serious risk to public health and national security,” he stated.
Ogbonna said in line with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the seized drugs would be officially handed over to the state command of the NDLEA.
The Comptroller underscored the power of collaboration and called on all operatives to work collaboratively in the national interest.
“Today’s event is a testament to the power of teamwork. By leveraging each other’s strengths, we can better serve and protect our country,” he said.
The State Commander of the NDLEA, Rachel Umebuali, commended the NCS for the successful operation.
She highlighted the importance of continued collaboration among security and enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and other cross-border crimes.
“Teamwork among agencies like ours is crucial. This handover is a clear example of how cooperation leads to success,” Umebuali noted.
She added that the NDLEA would carry out further investigations to trace the origin and intended destination of the seized drugs(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ESI/KOO
