The Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigerian Customs Service has seized a large cache of illicit drugs, including cannabis sativa and Tramaking tablets, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦117,587,405.
Comptroller James Ojo, the Controller of the Ogun Area 1 Command, disclosed this during a media briefing on Friday, where the contraband was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He expressed deep concern over the alarming increase in drug smuggling, describing it as a grave threat to national security.
“The scale of illicit drug smuggling in recent times is alarming and worrisome,” Ojo remarked.
The seizures, carried out in various strategic locations across Ogun State, highlight the persistent challenge of drug trafficking within Nigeria’s borders. According to Ojo, the contraband includes:
Cannabis Sativa (5,256 coconut-size wraps): Valued at ₦46,981,742
Cannabis Sativa (46 book-size wraps): Valued at ₦411,179
Cannabis Sativa (1,202 bread-size wraps): Valued at ₦10,744,302
Cannabis Sativa (403 sacks): Valued at ₦16,010,182
In total, the confiscated items consist of 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 7,217.7 kg, along with 362 packs of Tramaking tablets (225mg each). These were intercepted in hotspots such as Agbawo/Iganokoto in Yewa North and Imeko Afon Local Government Areas.
Ojo underscored the Command’s dedication to tackling drug smuggling, noting that between January and November 21, 2024, its operatives achieved significant successes through strategic intelligence and operations.
“Between October 13 and November 12, 2024, our operatives intercepted 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,337 kg, as well as 362 packs of Tramaking tablets (225mg each), abandoned at locations like the Abeokuta axis, Agbawo/Iganokoto, and the Imeko Afon axis,” Ojo explained.
He commended his officers for their vigilance and issued a strong warning to drug traffickers, urging them to desist or face severe consequences.
The intercepted contraband was formally received by Olusegun Adeyeye, Commander of the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, who applauded the Customs Command for its unwavering efforts.
“This seizure demonstrates the synergy between the NDLEA and Customs in combating drug abuse and smuggling,” Adeyeye stated, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration to safeguard Nigeria’s youth, families, and communities.
