Customs Intercept N1.4bn Contraband In Ogun

Anti-smuggling operatives of Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko, have intercepted 4,424 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg, the equivalent of seven trailer trucks, within 48 days.

This came as the command handed over 105 bags of Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as Indian hemp to officials of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Idiroko Narcotics Special Command.

NCS area controller (CAC) for the command, Godwin Otunla, disclosed these to journalists yesterday in Idiroko Border in Ipokia local government area of Ogun State.

Otunla said the Duty Payable Value (DPV) for the entire contraband, which included 105 units of used pneumatic tyres, 21 bales and three sacks of used clothing, and 6,400 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), was worth N1,401,531,923.95.

Otunla, who listed other items in the seizure, including a 2021 edition of Rolls-Royce with a DPV of N905 Million, explained that the command achieved these remarkable results within a short period through intelligence-driven operations, resilience, and the unwavering commitment of its gallant officers.

He listed other contraband intercepted, including a Mercedes-Benz with a DPV of over N21.4 million and a 2018 model Honda Saloon Car with a DPV of over N32 million.

“The seizures with a DPV of N1,401,531,923.95 represent a significant economic loss to the smugglers, but a huge gain to our national economy and security.

In the area of revenue generation, Otunla disclosed that the command also generated a total revenue of N45, 054,191:00 in July, which is higher than the sum of N35, 327, 852: 00 recorded in the corresponding month in 2024.

“However, this represents a commendable increase of 27.47 per cent, and this remarkable growth reflects our enhanced compliance drive, improved monitoring of the border activities, and robust stakeholders engagement,” he said.

However, the CAC handed over the illicit drug intercepted to the NDLEA Commander of the Idiroko Special Command, Ekundayo Williams, in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation for further investigation and necessary action.