The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, has intercepted illicit drugs, pharmaceutical products and mercury with a combined estimated value of N3.95bn in Lagos.
The seizures form part of the unit’s intensified operations against smuggling and the movement of prohibited and controlled goods into the country.
The Customs authorities said the intercepted consignments were recovered through ongoing surveillance and enforcement operations within the unit’s area of responsibility.
The development underscores the scale of the illicit trade in pharmaceutical products and other restricted substances, as well as the efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service to frustrate smugglers operating through various channels.
According to the Customs, the seized items include prohibited pharmaceutical products and mercury, among other intercepted consignments.
The unit said the seizures were made as part of its statutory responsibility to prevent the illegal importation of goods, protect the Nigerian economy and safeguard public health.
The latest interception comes amid heightened Customs enforcement across the country, with officers stepping up intelligence-led operations against smuggling networks.
Customs authorities have repeatedly warned individuals and businesses involved in the illegal importation of restricted products to desist from the practice, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
The N3.95bn seizure therefore represents another major blow to suspected smuggling networks operating within and around Lagos, one of Nigeria’s major commercial and maritime hubs.
The Nigeria Customs Service said its enforcement activities would continue as part of efforts to secure the nation’s borders and prevent illicit goods from entering the Nigerian market.
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