Nigeria Customs Intercepts, Hands Over Cannabis Worth N117m To NDLEA

The Ogun State Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko, yesterday handed over cannabis and other illicit drugs worth over N117 million to the state’s special command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The seizure, which consisted of 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels, weighing over 7,217.7kg, and 362 packs of Tramaking tablets (another brand of Tramadol) of 225mg each were intercepted by the NCS operatives over between January and November 21, 2024.

Speaking with newsmen during the handing over of the contrabands to the NDLEA at the Ogun Area II Command in Abeokuta, NCS Controller for Area 1 Command, Comptroller James Ojo attributed the success story to effective intelligence measures put in place by the command.

Ojo explained that the handing over to NDLEA was in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation, particularly when the NDLEA is the agency that is statutorily saddled with the responsibility of taking custody of such contrabands.

“Today, in line with our standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration, we are handing over the seized cannabis and Tramadol tablets to the commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, C.N Olusegun Adeyeye for further investigation.

“This step not only ensures the continuation of due process but also underscores our transparency and commitment to justice.

“The successful interception of these dangerous substances would not have been possible without the robust collaboration and support from our intelligence units, local informants and sister agencies.

“We are deeply grateful for the synergy that has been fostered among all stakeholders in the security framework of the command,” he said.

Explaining that no arrest was made because of the delicate nature of war against the drugs cartel worldwide, Ojo emphasised that the seizure was a result of the NCS’ intelligence put in place at the various border posts across the command.

Disclosing that the contraband was a trans-border business item, Ojo stressed that his agency had been monitoring them from their countries of origin which included Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire and other West African countries.

NDLEA commander of the Special Command, Idiroko, Adeyeye commended the Customs Area command for their doggedness, efforts and contributions in the fight against illicit drugs.

Adeyeye stated that the seizure is a testament that NDLEA and Customs are synergising in the fight against drug abuse.