Ogun 1 customs deals major blow to drug smuggling network, seizes ₦172.9m worth of cannabis sativa

…Congratulates CGC on World Customs chairperson’s election

…Thanks CGC for delivery of 13 operational vehicle 

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), Ogun 1 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) in a bid to combat drug smuggling networks targeting border communities and vulnerable youth.

In a significant breakthrough, the command seized 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,450 kilograms, cleverly concealed in a Mercedes Benz truck, during a late-night intelligence-led operation on June 29, 2025.

The Customs Area Controller(CAC), of the command Comptroller Godwin Otunla, described the seizure as a major blow to drug smuggling networks and commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and support in the fight against smuggling and cross-border crimes.

According to him, the operation led to the interception of the said 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 commended CGC Adeniyi on his recent election as Chairperson of the WCO Council, a position representing 186 member countries.

“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 announced that the Command has just taken delivery of 13 operational vehicles, generously allocated by the CGC to boost its operational capacity. “We are deeply grateful to him and the entire management team for their continued support and encouragement.”

The Ogun I Area Command remains one of the key front lines in Nigeria’s anti-smuggling and border security efforts, with frequent seizures of contraband and high-profile arrests.