The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted tramadol capsules and other illicit pharmaceuticals worth N1.05 billion on the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Edo State. The seizure was made by operatives of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, during a routine intelligence-led operation. Comptroller Bishir Balogun, Area Controller for FOU Zone C, confirmed the operation in a statement released on Saturday. A truck transporting the contraband was flagged down, but the driver fled into a nearby bush after attempting to evade arrest. Upon search, the illicit drugs were found hidden among legitimate goods. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items was estimated at N1.05 billion. Balogun attributed the success of the operation to coordinated enforcement tactics. He stated that substances like tramadol and codeine fuel drug abuse and criminal behaviour nationwide. The consignment has been taken into custody, and investigations are ongoing to identify the sponsors of the illegal shipment.