The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ in Kaduna has seized 185 blocks of Cannabis Sativa worth N48.5 million and other contraband valued at N220.4 million in separate operations as part of efforts to combat smuggling and protect national security.

On August 21 at 3:30 a.m., acting on intelligence, NCS operatives stopped a vehicle along the Zaria flyover on the Kaduna–Zaria Expressway, uncovering nine sacks containing 185 compressed blocks of Cannabis Sativa weighing 89.6 kilograms.

A male suspect was arrested and, along with the drugs, handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.

“The seized substance has an estimated duty paid value of N48,562,500,” said Saidu Nuruddeen, Public Relations Officer for the unit.

In a separate operation, the unit intercepted three vehicles carrying smuggled goods, including 456 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 8,100 liters of Premium Motor Spirit, 178 bales of second-hand clothes, 225 cartons of spaghetti, 107 used tires, and 37 electric shockers. The total duty paid value of these items was N220,457,336.48.

Comptroller Aliyu Alkali commended the operatives’ vigilance and reiterated the unit’s commitment to curbing illegal trade.

He further emphasized that the seizures reflect ongoing efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s economy and security.

The operations highlight the NCS’s role in tackling smuggling amid rising economic pressures, though challenges remain in addressing the broader networks driving illicit trade across Nigeria’s borders.