The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Ogun Area 1 Command, has intercepted 10,126 parcels of Cannabis Indica, popularly known as Ghana Loud, at an estimated value of over N5 billion.
Recall that this seizure comes 41 days after the command handed over 2,543 parcels of cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command.
DAILY POST reports that among the other 72 seizures made are 26 sacks of raw cannabis sativa, 50 cartons of expired Maggi Star, 1,759 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 2,685 kegs of 25 litres and 16 kegs (2 litres) of Oki vegetable oil, and 16 kegs containing 14,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit in jerrycans, 10 cartons of 21kg Basmati rice, and 77 cartons of 500mg Analgin injection with no NAFDAC registration number.
Others include 20 cartons of turkey vegetable oil, 3 litres each; 10 cartons of 21kg Basmati rice; 216 cartons of 20kg Basmati rice; 205 packs of footwear; 66 bales of secondhand clothing; 11 kegs of 25 litres of diesel; 46 bags of 25kg foreign sugar; seven sacks of secondhand clothing; two used vehicles; two sacks of ladies’ handbags; 16 cartons of organic honey; 858 packs of macaroni; two sacks of spaghetti; and six live pangolins already handed over to the relevant agency.
Speaking on Tuesday at a press briefing held at the Sentry Idiroko Border Post, the Acting Customs Area Comptroller, Olukayode Afeni, said the contraband items were intercepted at different locations within the state.
According to him, the seizures are proof of the command’s fight against smuggling operations, preventing the drainage of national resources through illegal trade and dismantling the organized networks that facilitate smuggling.
Afeni lamented the devastating effect of drugs on the lives of consumers, especially youths, adding that they have the potential to influence criminal activities such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping, terrorism and other vices.
He said, “We remain resolute in our duty to ensure that Ogun State and the nation at large remain a hostile environment for those who seek to undermine our economic stability.
“Through enhanced intelligence and inter-agency cooperation, the Command intercepted 73 seizures in just five weeks (41 days).
“The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items is N6,777,236,000. It is essential to state that the aforementioned items were intercepted at different locations within Ogun State with the aid of intensive intelligence strategies and concerted efforts of our intelligence personnel.
“From January to date, we have taken 26,002 parcels of cannabis off the streets. This isn’t just a seizure; it’s a preventive measure. Without this intervention, our society would face a wave of drug-related crises that our already overstretched healthcare and rehabilitation systems may not be able to handle.
“The Command, from March 16, 2026, up till this morning, May 12, 2026, generated and remitted into the Federation Account the sum of ₦125,430,757.00 in revenue through baggage assessment and the auction of seized petroleum products,” he added.
The acting comptroller reaffirmed the command’s commitment to residents’ safety and well-being, calling for public support and cooperation to boost economic growth.
Afeni handed over the seized banned substances to the Commander of the Idiroko Special Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ekundayo Williams, and lauded the collaborative efforts of other sister agencies and critical stakeholders in the fight against smugglers and economic saboteurs.
