The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command, has seized a large amount of Cannabis Sativa, worth over N98m, and handed it over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state. The command’s Controller, Comptroller Bamidele Makinde, presented the harmful substances to Mrs. Ibiba Odili, the Commander of Narcotics at the Ogun State command of the NDLEA, after briefing journalists on the command’s activities for the first quarter of 2023. Makinde revealed that the cannabis was seized during intelligence-driven and strategic anti-smuggling operations at border lines and other locations in the state. The Controller also disclosed that seven suspected smugglers were arrested in connection with the substances and later granted administrative bail, pending the conclusion of the investigation that would lead to their prosecution.
Makinde said the command seized a total of 181 prohibited items, including smuggled foreign parboiled rice, Chinese cigarettes, PMS, used vehicles used as means of conveyance, second-hand clothing, foreign used shoes, foreign used tyres, frozen poultry products, body cream, and Cannabis Sativa, among others, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) worth N704,482,601 in the first quarter of 2023. He further disclosed that the command generated revenue of N44,857,053.50 during the period under review, which was higher than the revenue of N5,512,901.50 generated in the same period in 2022. He applauded his officers for their dedication to fighting smuggling and vowed to strengthen and sustain the existing synergy with sister agencies and ensure cordial relationships with host communities.
