Customs Seize N172.9m Worth of Cannabis, Hand Over Suspect , Illicit Drugs To NDLEA In Ogun
Customs Seize N172.9m Worth of Cannabis, Hand Over Suspect , Illicit Drugs To NDLEA In Ogun
By Frank Odinukaeze
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has intercepted and handed over a large consignment of cannabis sativa valued at over N172.9 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), reinforcing its commitment to the fight against drug trafficking and cross-border crimes.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, disclosed this during a press conference held at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko on Wednesday, July 3, 2025. Otunla stated that the seizure was made on Sunday, June 29, during a late-night intelligence-led operation by officers of the Command.
According to him, the operation led to the interception of a Mercedes Benz truck with registration number EPE-595-LA, driven by a 39-year-old suspect, William Asare, from Ibadan, Oyo State. Upon inspection, officers discovered 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,450 kilograms, cleverly concealed in fabricated compartments — a false bottom — within the truck.
“In accordance with Sections 6, 226, and 250 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the truck and its illicit contents were moved to our headquarters for further investigation,” Otunla explained. “The Duty Paid Value of the seizure stands at N172,920,000.”
He described the seizure as a major blow to drug smuggling networks, especially those targeting border communities and vulnerable youth. “This success underscores our resolve to protect the nation from the social and security dangers posed by illicit drugs,” he said.
With the approval of the Comptroller-General of Customs and Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the seized drugs and the suspect were officially handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
Otunla used the occasion to commend CGC Adeniyi on his recent election as Chairperson of the WCO Council, a position representing 186 member countries. He described Adeniyi’s leadership as visionary and praised his commitment to reforming and modernizing the Nigeria Customs Service.
He also announced that the Ogun I Command had just received 13 new operational vehicles from the CGC’s office, a move he said would significantly enhance the Command’s operational capabilities.
The press conference was attended by senior officers of the NCS, heads of other security agencies, representatives of the NDLEA, and members of the press.
The Ogun I Area Command remains one of the key frontlines in Nigeria’s anti-smuggling and border security efforts, with frequent seizures of contraband and high-profile arrests.
