Ogun I Customs seizes, hands over illicit drugs worth ₦117.5m DPV to NDLEA

The Ogun I Customs Area Command led by Comptroller James Ojo has disclosed another mind-boggling achievement of a seizure of illicit drugs worth One hundred and Seventeen Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand, Four Hundred and Five naira (₦117,587,405.00) Duty Paid Value (DPV).

Comptroller Ojo stated that the feat was an accumulation of eleven (11) months of intelligence surveillance.

The Command’s spokesperson, CSC HB Oloyede in an e-signed press release said “that the operatives of the Ogun I Command seized the substantial quantities of Cannabis sativa and Tramaking tablets which is another brand of tramadol through credible intelligence and strategic operations.

“The seizures consist of 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels, weighing 7,217.7 kg and 362 packs of Tramaking tablets of 225mg each, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦117,587,405.00”.

Commending the gallant officers, Comptroller Ojo said, the landmark operations were ‘a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Nigeria Customs Service to safeguard the health and well-being of Nigeria citizens and to uphold the rule of law’.

Comptroller Ojo in the release stated further that “the height of illicit drug smuggling in recent time is too alarming and worrisome.

“For instance, between 13 October 2024 and 12 November, 2024 alone, our operatives intercepted a total of 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,337 kg, and 362 packs of Tramaking tablets of 225mg each, abandoned at various locations, including the Abeokuta axis, the Agbawo/Igankoto area of Yewa North Local Government Area, and the Imeko Afon axis, among others.

“We are in accord with our standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration, we will be handing over the seized cannabis and Tramadol tablets to the Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, CN 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 implications of the recorded seizures are profound; they disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs, thereby mitigating the risks these substances cause to our youth, families, and communities.

“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”.

Comptroller Ojo expressed appreciation for the “enormous support and enabling environment created by the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, saying that the CGC’s leadership skills are the bedrock of all contributory factors to success story in Ogun State.

While commending “his officers and men for their vigilance and courage” in prioritising “the safety, security and health of Nigerians, Comptroller Ojo issued “a strong warning to those engaged in the criminal trade of drug trafficking and other smuggling activities, assuring the residents of his Command’s “resolute and uncompromising” in its “mission” to strengthen the Service’s operations, enhance intelligence gathering, and work closely relevant agencies to combat all forms of smuggling and criminal activities”.