…Hands Over 6,035 Narcotic Parcels to NDLEA

The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized prohibited goods valued at a Duty Paid(DPV) of ₦3,574,435,248.08.

The Command also officially handed over 6,035 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indica and other narcotic substances to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA)

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Oladapo Afeni, disclosed on Thursday at a press conference held at the Command Headquarters, in Idiroko, Ogun State.

Afeni who said that smuggling was killing local productions said that the command’s campaign against smuggling was to ensure healthy food consumption and improve productivity for economic growth.

Goods seize to include: 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice; 70 cartons of basmati rice ; 6,035 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indica; 30 bags of foreign sugar (50kg each) ;2,674 pieces of new shorts and trousers.

Others are: 11,450 liters of PMS in kegs; 1,750 liters of PMS in drums; 30 kegs of diesel (25 liters each);100 bags of fertilizer; 67 bales of secondhand clothing; 3,760 pieces of new tops; 85 pieces of fire extinguishers ; 480 cartons of Pure Haven drinks ; 53 packages of oats; 47 cartons of cosmetics; 36 packages of hair accessories; 3 packages of surgical shoes and 127 pieces of new purses.

The Area Controller said that purchasing smuggled goods effectively sends jobs abroad while deepening unemployment among the youth and graduates and aiding poverty in the country.

He also warned against smuggled imported rice which is often repackaged in unhygienic environments or kept in storage for years beyond its safe consumption period, insisting that such action affects farmers and  local investors.

Afeni said ” I stand before you today not just as the Customs Area Controller, but as a concerned citizen who cares deeply about the economic stability, health, and security of our nation”.

“When foreign rice is smuggled into our markets, it undermines our local farmers and agricultural investors. Our government and local entrepreneurs have invested billions to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. Unimpeded smuggling forces local mills to close and leaves our farmers bankrupt,”

“In recent months, this Command has recorded an unprecedented wave of constant, back-to-back seizures of foreign parboiled rice and illicit drugs. Smugglers and enemies of the state are becoming more desperate, employing highly sophisticated concealment methods,” he added.

The Area Controller also cautioned on the dangers of “Ghana Loud”, linking it to “acute psychosis, severe cardiovascular distress, rapid addiction, and long-term mental health degradation.”He said profits from the drug fund violent crime, human trafficking and arms proliferation.

He added seized narcotics were formally handed over to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command for further investigation in accordance with the established procedures

The Deputy Commander, NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, Wole Fagbohun, while receiving the consignment of seized Cannabis Sativa and other contraband, said the seizure highlighted the corroborative efforts of the two agencies

“the seizure underscores the agencies’ joint effort in intercepting illicit drugs and other smuggled goods.” he noted.