Customs Hands Over N172m Worth of Cannabis to NDLEA in Ogun, Commissions 13 New Patrol Vehicles
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over a massive consignment of illicit drugs valued at ₦172.9 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), highlighting a growing synergy between both agencies in tackling drug trafficking across Nigeria’s borders.
During a press briefing held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, disclosed that the seizure followed actionable intelligence. The intercepted consignment—concealed within a Mercedes Benz truck—was discovered to contain cannabis sativa, locally known as marijuana.
“Initial assessment of the truck raised suspicions of illicit cargo. A detailed examination revealed 2,693 parcels of cannabis ingeniously hidden within fabricated compartments of the vehicle, commonly referred to as a ‘false bottom,’” Otunla explained.
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He noted that the operation was conducted in accordance with Section 226 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. The seized items weighed a total of 1,450 kilograms and had a duty-paid value of ₦172,920,000. One suspect was arrested in connection with the trafficking attempt.
The consignment, along with the apprehended suspect, was formally handed over to the Commander of the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, Mr. Williams Ekundayo.
Commending the Customs Service for its vigilance, Ekundayo stated, “This significant seizure is a testament to the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation and will undoubtedly contribute to safeguarding our youth from the harmful consequences of drug abuse.”
In a related development, Comptroller Otunla lauded the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his role in modernizing the Service. He congratulated the CGC on his recent election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council.
“This global recognition speaks volumes of the CGC’s visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of reforms within the Service,” Otunla noted.
He further announced the arrival of 13 brand-new patrol vehicles, recently allocated to the Command by Customs Headquarters to bolster enforcement operations.
“These vehicles are a welcome boost to our logistics capacity, and we are deeply appreciative of the support from the CGC and the management team,” he added.
By PRNigeria
