The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command, has intercepted cannabis sativa valued at ₦172 million along the state’s border axis, leading to the arrest of a 39-year-old suspect, William Asare.
Speaking with journalists at Idiroko, the Customs Area Controller, Mr Godwin Otunla, disclosed that 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing approximately 1,450 kilograms, were recovered from the suspect at Ilaro.
He explained that the suspect, a resident of the Challenge area in Ibadan, Oyo State, had concealed the hard drugs inside truck compartments in an attempt to evade detection.
Otunla stated that the seizure was a product of intensified border patrols and strategies deployed to combat evolving smuggling methods, describing the interception as a major success in curbing the spread of harmful substances.
“This is a significant step in preventing illicit drugs from reaching our communities. We remain committed to tackling smuggling and cross-border crimes in collaboration with other security agencies,” Otunla said.
The seized cannabis was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.
Receiving the contraband, the Area Commander of NDLEA Special Area Command, Idiroko, Mr Ekundayo Williams, commended the Customs for their vigilance and pledged a thorough investigation to uncover those behind the smuggling network.
Williams also assured of sustained collaboration between NDLEA and Customs to rid the country of illegal drugs and other prohibited items.
Meanwhile, Otunla revealed that the command had recently acquired 13 operational vehicles to boost surveillance and enforcement, noting that the election of Nigeria’s Comptroller General of Customs as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization Council was a boost to the country’s global recognition in customs administration.
