The Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, intercepting a large consignment of illicit drugs with a Duty Paid Value of N117,587,405.
The haul, which included various sizes of cannabis sativa parcels and packs of Tramaking tablets, was unveiled during a media briefing by the Controller of the Ogun Area 1 Command, Comptroller James Ojo, on Friday.
The contraband was officially handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.
Speaking during the briefing, Comptroller Ojo expressed deep concern over the growing prevalence of drug trafficking, describing it as a grave threat to national security.
“The scale of illicit drug smuggling in recent times is alarming and worrisome,” he said, emphasising the dangers posed by the illegal drug trade to Nigeria’s socio-economic stability.
The intercepted contraband, seized at strategic locations across Ogun State, underscored the intensifying battle against drug trafficking along Nigeria’s borders. Ojo detailed the seizures as follows:
5,256 coconut-size wraps of cannabis sativa, valued at N46,981,742.
46 book-size wraps of cannabis sativa, valued at N411,179.
1,202 bread-size wraps of cannabis sativa, valued at N10,744,302.
403 sacks of cannabis sativa, valued at N16,010,182.
In total, the operation resulted in the confiscation of 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing an astonishing 7,217.7 kg.
Additionally, 362 packs of Tramaking tablets (225mg each) were seized in areas such as the Agbawo/Iganokoto axis in Yewa North and the Imeko Afon Local Government Areas.
Ojo commended his officers for their unwavering dedication, attributing the success to robust intelligence gathering and strategic planning.
He disclosed that between January and November 21, 2024, the Ogun Area 1 Command intercepted significant quantities of illegal drugs through meticulous operations.
“For instance, between October 13 and November 12, 2024, our operatives intercepted a total of 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa (weighing 1,337 kg) and 362 packs of Tramaking tablets (225mg each) abandoned at various locations, including the Abeokuta axis, Agbawo/Iganokoto, and the Imeko Afon axis,” Ojo revealed.
He issued a stern warning to individuals involved in drug trafficking, urging them to abandon their activities or face severe consequences.
The seized contraband was handed over to the NDLEA, represented by the Commander of the Idiroko Special Command, Olusegun Adeyeye.
The NDLEA chief lauded the Customs Command for its proactive efforts in tackling the drug menace and called for continued collaboration to protect vulnerable communities.
“This seizure is a testament to the synergy between the NDLEA and Customs in combating the menace of drug abuse and smuggling,” Adeyeye remarked. He stressed the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s youth, families, and communities from the devastating effects of illicit drugs.
The successful operation highlights the growing cooperation between security agencies in Nigeria. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance and resilience in curbing the activities of drug traffickers.
The Ogun Area 1 Command has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining Nigeria’s borders and protecting its citizens from the scourge of drug smuggling.
