Customs Seizes Over 3,000 Parcels of Cannabis, Hands Over Illicit Cargo to NDLEA
Samuel Mobolaji
The Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko, has handed over 3,365 parcels and 75 sacks of Cannabis Sativa, along with 88 cartons of codeine syrup, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after a series of interceptions by its operatives.
The seizures, made within two weeks following a stakeholders’ meeting, underscore the command’s intensified crackdown on illegal drug trade.
Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu reaffirmed the commitment to eradicating dangerous drugs and contraband, stating that the handover to the NDLEA was part of efforts to curb the distribution of illegal narcotics threatening public health and safety.
“These actions send a clear and unequivocal message to those engaged in illegal activities that Ogun 1 Command will not relent in its statutory duties. We are resolute in ensuring such illicit enterprises do not thrive under our watch,” Shuaibu declared while handing over the drugs to Deputy Commander of Narcotics Alexander Nyigide, who represented NDLEA Commander Tijani Rabe.
Beyond the drug seizures, the command intercepted contraband goods valued at over N279.5 million, including 2,145 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 612 bales of second-hand clothing, 843 units of used pneumatic tyres, and 6,625 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Shuaibu disclosed that N9.694 million was generated as revenue from baggage assessment and the auction of earlier seized PMS due to its highly flammable nature.
He warned smugglers that every attempt to evade security checks would be thwarted by the command’s robust intelligence and monitoring network.
“We remain relentless in our fight against smuggling. Our intelligence systems and operational mechanisms will continue to track and expose economic saboteurs and their sponsors,” he stated.
He called on the public to support the Customs Service in combating smuggling, emphasising that securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting national interests require a collective effort.
About The Author
