Skip to main content

Compt. Otunla Continue To Hit Hard On Dangerous Traders; Seizes N172.9M Worth Of Cannabis Sativa In One Operation

By Anne Ejuka


The Ogun 1 command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko in one singular operation made a seizure of cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana having a street value of N172.9 million


Briefing newsmen yesterday while handing over the seized drugs to the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),  at the Command's headquarters in Idiroko Ogun state, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Godwin Otunla disclosed that the 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,450 kg was neatly concealed in a Mercedes Benz truck with registration number EPE-595-LA.


According to him, on Sunday, 29 June 2025, at about 0005 hours, the operatives of the command during an intelligence-driven operation, intercepted a Mercedes Benz Truck with registration number EPE-595-LA. The vehicle was driven by one Mr. William Asare, a 39-year-old Nigerian resident of Mobil, Challenge area, Ibadan, Oyo State. Upon initial examination, the truck was suspected to be conveying prohibited items, further inspection revealed that several parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana had been ingeniously concealed within fabricated compartments also referred to as a 'false bottom' of the truck.


In accordance with Section 226 of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act, 2023, the truck was immediately moved to the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko for further investigation. A comprehensive physical examination revealed a total of 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,450kg. Other enabling provisions of the NCS Act 2023 that guided this operation include Sections 6 and 250. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizure amount to N172,920,000.


He disclosed that the successful interception of this large quantity of cannabis is a significant step in preventing the circulation of these harmful substances in our communities especially among our youth and in safeguarding national security.  He reaffirms the Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling and cross-border crimes.


It is barely 2 weeks since they last held a press briefing during which they highlighted the achievements of the Command in anti-smuggling operations and revenue generation.


He said, ‘as you may recall, we reiterated the Command’s unwavering resolve to continue combating smuggling activities within Ogun State. ‘He is pleased to inform us that, in line with this commitment and through sustained enforcement efforts backed by credible intelligence, the Command has recorded yet another remarkable success. By meticulously deploying strategies tailored to counter emerging smuggling trends, their operatives achieved this feat within a matter of days


He stressed, having secured the approval of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) and Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the seized cannabis and the suspect were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and necessary action.


The CAC, who used the opportunity to announce that the Command has just taken delivery of 13 operational vehicles allocated by the CGC to boost their operational capacity thanked the CGC and his management team for the continued support and encouragement. He also congratulated the CGC on his well-deserved election as the Chairperson of the WCO Council. Saying,  "This is a prestigious global recognition of his visionary leadership and commitment to reforms and modernization in the Nigeria Customs Service".

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN (KSJI) TAKES A SWIPE AT BAD LEADERSHIPS IN NIGERIA

By Anne Ejuka
  Maj. Gen. (Prof) Remy Uche,  KSJI Supreme Subordinate President, Nigeria. As Christians all over the world marked  the feast of the Passion of St. John the Baptist on August 29 commemoration of his beheading by King Herod for speaking up to the truth, the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) of the Roman Catholic Church has taken a swipe against which it described as obnoxious and draconian leaderships in many spheres of life in Nigeria. The Knights of St. John International (KSJI), a sodality organisation of men and women looked up to in the Roman Catholic Church as people of integrity, is not happy with the current situation in the country where leaders in some places are not serving expectedly. According to a press statement made by the KSJI leader in Nigeria (Supreme Subordinate President), Maj Gen. Remy Uche (Prof), and signed on his behalf, by his Chief of Staff, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu, to mark the feast of the Passion of St. John the Baptist, the patron saint...
Post a Comment
Read more

Eze Uchendu Applauds Compt. Olomu's Outstanding Performance In Apapa

By Anne Ejuka
  ...Berates APMT For Lack  of Capacity & Technicality ...Calls FG to Set Up Committee To Access APMT Operations In Nigeria The remarkable performance of the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Customs command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu fsi has been commended by a renowned freight forwarder, the Chairman of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarder( NAGAFF), Apapa Chapter, Fowdr. Prince Eze Uchendu. Accessing the Apapa Command under the control of Compt. Olomu,  the  chairman applauded the resilience and doggedness of the area controller in all areas of operation, in his words, "I think for now we have a good controller, the person of controller, Babatunde Olomu, since his inception as the CAC Apapa, I can say Apapa Command has never had it so good, so I can score the Nigeria customs high In all fields of endeavour, the controller has been a moving controller,  he's not a controller that stays in office. He comes to the terminals ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Kabiesi Akintola Becomes A First Class King And Permanent Member of Osun State Council of Kings

By Anne Ejuka
A Retired Senior Customs  Officer, Deputy Comptroller Akintola Imran Ayodeji (Rtd)  has become a First Class King and permanent member of the esteemed Osun State Council of Kings. He  signed  his letter of appointment on the 19th day of August 2024, at a momentous occasion which  marked a significant milestone in his journey as a traditional leader and a proud son of Osun State. His Royal Majesty Oba Akintola Imran Ayodeji, The Alua Of Erin Oke Kingdom Ijesa, after signing his  letter of appointment saod felt a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to serve his people and uphold the rich cultural heritage of the great state of the Living Spring. This appointment is not just a recognition of his own achievements, but also a testament to the trust and confidence placed on him by the people and the Council of Kings. As a First Class King,the Kabiesi has pledged to work tirelessly to promote the welfare and development of his ...
Post a Comment
Read more