By correspondent in Abeokuta.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has handed over seized illicit drugs, valued at a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N117,587,405, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Comptroller of the command, Mr. James Ojo, disclosed this during the formal handover of the contraband to the NDLEA’s Idiroko Special Area Commander, Mr. Olusegun Adeyeye, on Friday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Ojo noted that the handover was part of the NCS’s standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration.
He stated that the seized items, including Cannabis Sativa and Tramaling tablets (a type of Tramadol), were intercepted at various strategic locations across the state between January and November 21, 2024.
The Comptroller of the command attributed the successful operation to credible intelligence and the dedication of Customs personnel.
“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,” Ojo said.
The seizures include 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 7,217.7 kg, alongside 362 packs of Tramaling tablets (225 mg), according to him.
Ojo described the growing trend of drug trafficking as alarming, revealing that between October 13 and November 12 alone, Customs operatives intercepted 1,373 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (weighing 1,337 kg) and 362 packs of Tramaling tablets.
He noted that the illicit drugs were abandoned in locations such as the Abeokuta axis, Agbawo/Igankoto area of Yewa North Local Government Area, and the Imeko Afon axis.
“These landmark operations are a testament to the unwavering dedication of the NCS to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” he said.
Ojo commended the synergy between the NCS, security agencies, and other stakeholders, which he noted contributed to the achievements.
He also acknowledged the Comptroller-General of Customs for his support in enabling the command’s success.
Responding, Mr. Olusegun Adeyeye, the NDLEA Commander for Idiroko Special Area Command, applauded the Customs for its dedication and resilience.
He received the seized drugs on behalf of the NDLEA Chairman, Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, and pledged continued collaboration with the Customs to combat drug trafficking and illicit trade in the state.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
