The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of controlled drugs valued at over N18 million at the Mfum border in Cross River.

The customs area controller for Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, Chukwudi Ogbonna, made this known during a press conference in Calabar on Tuesday.

Mr Ogbonna said the seizure occurred on March 29 and involved 649 units of restricted drugs.

He credited the successful operation to the vigilance and dedication of officers on duty.

The confiscated items included 37 units of Phenobarbital Sodium Sterop 100mg, 216 units of Pethidine 100mg Solution Injection, and 108 units of Fentanyl 50mm.

Other seized items included 216 units of Morphine Sulfate 10mg/ml, 49 units of Phenobarbital Sodium Injection, and 23 units of Midazolam Mylan 5mg/ml.

“These are highly regulated substances, and their movement without proper authorisation poses a serious risk to public health and national security,” he stated.

Mr Ogbonna said that in line with the memorandum of understanding between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, 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.

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.

Ms Umebuali added that the NDLEA would conduct further investigations to trace the origin and intended destination of the seized drugs.

(NAN)