Customs Intercepts Drugs Worth N690m In Katsina, Seizes Two Vehicles

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Katsina Command, has intercepted illicit drugs valued at about N690 million, alongside two vehicles used in transporting the consignments.

State Controller of Customs, Mr. Idriss Abba-Aji, disclosed this on Tuesday in Katsina while briefing journalists on the arrests and seizures.

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According to him, operatives of the command confiscated 14 cartons of Tramadol worth N650 million, along with Fragbaline capsules valued at N28 million. The drugs were discovered concealed in two separate vehicles. He further revealed that within the same period, cannabis sativa worth N15 million was also seized.

“Recently, we noticed that our borders are used for drug smuggling. Vehicles are cleverly used to confuse security personnel encountering them,” Abba-Aji said.

“You may think such vehicles are conveying dignitaries. The public must understand that during our operations we stop all available vehicles to ensure checks. People complain about customs disturbing commuters. Drug traffickers will never use lorries or open vehicles. They conceal drugs inside vehicles designed to appear ordinary,” he explained.

The controller noted that the seizures were possible because operatives stopped and searched suspicious vehicles, stressing that “luck favoured them” in intercepting the two drug-laden vehicles on separate occasions.

He warned that the intercepted substances, if not seized, would have been circulated within Katsina and neighbouring states, fueling insecurity.

Abba-Aji reiterated the link between drug trafficking and the surge in banditry across the region, adding that the command has stepped up enforcement operations to check the menace.

The Federal Government is reviewing a proposal to increase the salaries of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, senators, and other political office holders, following recommendations by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

RMAFC Chairman Mohammed Shehu announced the initiative during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, describing the current pay structure as outdated and inadequate. He noted that salaries have remained unchanged since 2008, despite the growing responsibilities of top office holders and Nigeria’s evolving economic challenges.