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Hands over 50 sacks, 1,936 parcels of Indian Hemps to NDLEA
From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted and seized three exotic vehicles, including a 2021 Rolls Royce Ghost, a 2018 Honda Accord, and a 2014 Mercedes Benz, smuggled into the country.
The Area Customs Controller, Godwin Otunla, who stated this while briefing newsmen at the Customs Sentry in Idiroko on Thursday, added that the command also seized 4,424 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each.
Other prohibited items seized, according to Otunla, include 50 sacks and 1,936 parcels of coconut-size Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as Indian Hemp; 105 used pneumatic tyres; 21 bales and 3 sacks of used clothing; and 6,400 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The Customs boss, who put the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures at ₦1,401,531,923.95, explained that the command achieved the feat through intelligence-driven operations, resilience, and the unwavering commitment of gallant operatives.
Otunla handed over the seized dangerous substances to the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Idiroko Special Command, Ekundayo Williams, for further investigation and necessary action.
He lauded sister security agencies for their synergy, which, according to him, “has not only helped the command in ensuring compliance with government directives, but reinforced our collective determination to safeguard public health, national security, and protect the future of Nigerian youth from the devastating effects of hard drugs.”
While reiterating that his command will sustain the fight against smuggling, Otunla stressed that the command will continue to build on collaboration, intelligence sharing, and innovation, in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
On the revenue drive by the Ogun 1 Area Command, the Area Controller of Customs said that the command generated a sum of ₦45,054,191.00 in July, which is higher than the ₦35,327,852.00 recorded in the corresponding month of 2024.
He attributed the remarkable increase of 27.4% in revenue generation to a reflection of enhanced compliance drive, improved monitoring of border activities, and robust stakeholder engagement.
“May I once again sound a clear warning to the smugglers and their collaborators: Ogun 1 Area Command will not relent. We remain vigilant, resolute, and unyielding. No matter the sophistication of your tricks, our officers will continue to thwart your antics, and we shall bring the full weight of the law against you,” Otunla affirmed.