Ogun I Customs Command Hands Over Seized Cannabis Worth N172.9M To NDLEA
Kathy Kyari
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over a significant seizure of illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following a successful operation that intercepted a large quantity of cannabis sativa concealed in a truck.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony held at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko on Wednesday, July 3, 2025, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, disclosed that the operation was the result of sustained enforcement efforts and credible intelligence.
“It is barely 2 weeks since we last held a press briefing during which we highlighted the achievements of the Command in anti-smuggling operations and revenue generation,” Otunla said. “As you may recall, we reiterated the Command’s unwavering resolve to continue combating smuggling activities within Ogun State. I am pleased to inform you that, in line with this commitment and through sustained enforcement efforts backed by credible intelligence, the Command has recorded yet another remarkable success.”
According to Comptroller Otunla, the seizure occurred on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at approximately 12:05 a.m., when operatives of the Command intercepted a Mercedes Benz truck with registration number EPE-595-LA. The vehicle, driven by 39 year old William Asare, a resident of Ibadan, was found to be concealing several parcels of cannabis within fabricated compartments commonly known as a false bottom.
“In accordance with Section 226 of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act, 2023, the truck was immediately moved to the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko for further investigation,” he stated. “A comprehensive physical examination revealed a total of 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,450kg. Other enabling provisions of the NCS Act 2023 that guided this operation include Sections 6 and 250. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizure amounts to N172,920,000.”
Comptroller Otunla emphasized that the interception marked a critical step in curbing the circulation of illicit drugs and protecting Nigerian youth and communities.
“The successful interception of this large quantity of illicit drugs is a significant step in preventing the circulation of these harmful substances in our communities especially among our youth and in safeguarding national security,” he said. “I wish to reaffirm the Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling and cross-border crimes.”
"With the necessary approvals obtained from the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) and Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the seized drugs and the suspect were formally handed over to the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and necessary action".
In a separate remark, Comptroller Otunla took the opportunity to congratulate the CGC on his election as the Chairperson of the WCO Council.
“Permit me to use this opportunity to congratulate the CGC on his well-deserved election as the Chairperson of the WCO Council, comprising 186 member countries. This is a prestigious global recognition of his visionary leadership and commitment to reform and modernization in the Nigeria Customs Service,” he noted.
He also announced that the Ogun I Command recently received 13 new operational vehicles, allocated by the CGC to strengthen the Command’s enforcement capabilities.
“We are deeply grateful to him and the entire management team for their continued support and encouragement,” Otunla added.
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