The Ogun 1 Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko, on Thursday handed over 2,693 parcels of Cannabis Sativa intercepted by its anti-smuggling operatives to officials of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The contraband, which was compressed into coconut-sized pieces and wrapped in yellow cellophane, was neatly concealed inside the forced bottom of an articulated Mercedes-Benz truck with registration plate number (LAGOS) EPE 959 YK.
Speaking with journalists during the handing-over held at the NCS’ Sentry at Idiroko, in the Ipokia local government area of Ogun State, NCS Area, Comptroller Godwin Otunla said the cannabis sativa, weighing 1, 450k.g. and having a Duty Payable Value worth N172, 920, 000, was intercepted at the Ilaro axis of Yewa South Local Government Area while on transit to a yet-to-be-ascertained destination.
The CAC further disclosed that a 39-year-old suspect, Williams Asare, driver of the truck, was also arrested alongside the contraband.
Otunla explained that the interception, made last Sunday, the 29th, 2025, was possible through the Customs’ intelligent network, which trailed the truck from its loading point until it reached Ilaro.
While lauding the efforts of the gallant NCS officers for their relentless commitment that finally culminated in the seizure, Otunla expressed the degree of damages and the effects of such magnitude it would have on the youths of the society.
However, in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation, he handed over the contrabands to the Narcotics Commander in charge of the NDLEA Idiroko Special Area Command, Olaniyi Ekudayo.
Responding after taking possession of the contraband, the suspect, Ekudayo, who applauded the resilience of the NCS personnel of Ogun 1 Area Command, also disclosed that his Agency would conduct the necessary laboratory test on the substance and carry out further investigations before charging the suspect to court.
He maintained that the seizure was a testament to the synergy between Customs, NDLEA, and other sister agencies.
