Customs seizes N690m worth of drugs in Katsina

The Katsina Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted illicit drugs valued at about N690 million and seized two vehicles used to convey them.

Controller of the command, Idriss Abba-Aji, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Katsina.

He said operatives recovered 14 cartons of Tramadol worth N650 million and Fragbaline capsules valued at N28 million, concealed in vehicles designed to appear ordinary. Cannabis sativa estimated at N15 million was also confiscated within the last two weeks.

Abba-Aji described the seizure as the command’s largest of its kind, warning that smugglers now use sophisticated methods to disguise drug shipments.

He stressed that routine vehicle checks remain necessary to uncover such concealments despite public complaints about delays.

He added that the illicit substances, if not intercepted, would likely have been distributed within Katsina and neighbouring states, further fueling banditry and insecurity in the region.

One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure and later released on administrative bail.