Ogun 1 Customs Hands Over Seized 1,450kg of Cannabis Sativa to NDLEA

Ogun 1 Customs Hands Over Seized 1,450kg of Cannabis Sativa to NDLEA
Abeokuta, July 3, 2025

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, has officially handed over 1,450 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and ensure national security.

The seizure, described as one of the largest in recent months within the region, was made through coordinated anti-smuggling operations across various border communities in Ogun State. The handover took place at the command’s headquarters in Idiroko on Tuesday, in the presence of officials from both agencies.

Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Otunla said the interception was a result of intelligence-driven patrols and increased surveillance along notorious smuggling routes near the Nigeria–Benin Republic border. He commended his officers for their vigilance and professionalism, stating that the command remains fully committed to its mandate of enforcing border laws.

Comptroller Godwin Otunla, the Ogun 1 Customs Area Controller Ogun 1

“This seizure highlights the dangerous lengths smugglers are willing to go to undermine our nation’s health and security. The 1,450 kilograms of cannabis were concealed in sacks and abandoned in a bush path by suspects who fled upon sighting our patrol team,” Comptroller Otunla disclosed.

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During the Showcase of the seizure and handing over ceremony at Idiroko, Ogun, State today, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, the Ogun 1 Customs Area Controller
reiterated the Command’s unwavering resolve to continue combating smuggling activities within Ogun State which through sustained enforcement efforts backed by credible intelligence, the Command recorded yet another remarkable success.

According to Controller Otunla, this came to fruition during an intelligence-driven operation by the operatives of the Ogun 1 Customs, who intercepted a Mercedes Benz Truck with registration number EPE-595-LA. The vehicle was driven by one Mr. William Asare, a 39-year-old Nigerian resident of Mobil, Challenge area, Ibadan, Oyo State. Upon initial examination, the truck was suspected to be conveying prohibited items. Further inspection revealed that several parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana, had been ingeniously concealed within fabricated compartments also referred to as a false bottom of the truck.

Seized 1,450kg Cannabis Sativa To NDLEA

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. 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 amount to N172,920,000.

The successful interception of this large quantity of illicit drugs he said ,” 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 reaffirmed the Customs Service’s resolve to continue its collaboration with sister agencies in the fight against narcotics and cross-border crimes. He also warned criminal elements that the border corridors in Ogun are under constant monitoring.

Receiving the consignment, NDLEA Ogun State Commander, lauded the Customs Command for its vigilance and inter-agency cooperation. She assured that investigations would be launched immediately to trace the origin and destination of the illicit cargo, with the aim of dismantling the criminal network behind the smuggling.

“The NDLEA is deeply appreciative of this synergy with the Nigeria Customs Service. This volume of cannabis could have done serious damage to communities if it had reached the streets. We are determined to follow up with enforcement and prosecution,”

This handover underscores the growing success of Nigeria’s security agencies in tackling drug-related crimes and enforcing stricter controls along the nation’s porous borders.

As part of its broader strategy, Ogun 1 Customs Command has intensified border patrols and continues to engage with local communities to gather actionable intelligence and discourage youth involvement in smuggling activities.