The Nigeria Customs Service (Federal Operations Unit Zone A) intercepted 6.35kg of cocaine valued at N2.35 billion along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor. Comptroller Gambo Aliyu disclosed this at the handover of seized drugs and other illicit substances to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Lagos on Tuesday.

He said the command also seized contraband, including explosives, petrol, Ghana Loud and others valued above N5.5 billion, foiling 473 smuggling attempts in eight weeks.

Mr Aliyu said officers intercepted a Toyota Highlander conveying 6.35kg of cocaine, arresting a 71-year-old Nigerian in connection with the seizure. He added that the cocaine was recovered during a separate operation along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.

He said seizures were recorded across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Ondo, with several suspects arrested.

Mr Aliyu disclosed that four cylinders of mercury, each weighing 80kg, were also intercepted, describing the substance as hazardous under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Mr Aliyu also mentioned that the mercury would be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency for further investigation. He stated that the unit launched Operation Hawk to disrupt narcotics trafficking networks.

Under the operation, 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis weighing 1,540kg were seized. Mr Aliyu said N97.7 million was recovered from underpaid duties between February 3 and April 28 2026, through enforcement actions.

Mr Aliyu added that the total duty-paid value of seizures stood at N5.5 billion, reflecting operational effectiveness against economic saboteurs.

The customs official said the unit was deploying digital surveillance, including geospatial intelligence, satellite imagery, drones and predictive analytics to track smuggling routes. 

He handed over the seized drugs and three suspects to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for investigation and prosecution.

(NAN)