Customs seizes drugs, contraband worth N713m

The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it intercepted 2,448 wraps of Cannabis sativa and 2,667 used tyres in two and half months.

The Area Controller, Dr Ben Oramalugo, disclosed this in Ibadan on Friday while briefing newsmen on the command’s achievements between June 14 and Aug. 29.

Oramalugo said other seized items include a used Mazda car, 2,183 bags of 50 Kilogrammes of foreign rice, 753 kegs, 94 drums of petrol and 24 bales of used clothing.

The area commander put the total Duty Paid Value of the seizures in the months under review stood at N713,150,400.

He regretted that the continuous consumption of hard drugs by some youths was not helping the fight against insecurity in the nation.

This, he said, must not be allowed to continue for the future of the country.

According to him, NCS has a responsibility to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in minimising or eradicating the drug menace contributing to national insecurity.

“Drugs are very dangerous and no human being will kill or rob without being under the influence of drugs.

“The command will, however, not allow the business of drugs to thrive in our areas of jurisdiction.

“This is why we have robust collaboration with NDLEA, and we hope there will be proper prosecution when the seized drugs are handed over to NDLEA,” he said.

He said the command intensified its efforts at combating smuggling activities and achieved successes despite operating in difficult terrains and with less-advanced technology.

He says the command is adopting technological innovations and strategies, collaborating with other security agencies, all in a bid to tackle the ever-evolving tactics of smugglers.

Oramalugo said the command generated N48.7 billion as revenue between Jan. and Aug. 2024, representing a 2.74 per cent increase compared to the N47.4bn generated within the same period in 2023.

“These seizures represent a significant blow to smugglers and a win for lawful trade and economic stability.

“The milestones recorded here are as a result of strategic intelligence gathering, increased patrols and dedication of the command officers who demonstrated exceptional vigilance and commitment to duty,” Oramalugo said.

The controller said the proactive measures taken by the various anti-smuggling teams had not only prevented illegitimate trade but also prevented communities from dangers posed by illicit goods.

He said the command remained committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in its operations.

He commended the NCS Comptroller General, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for supporting the command to achieve its core mandate.

He also commended Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, other sister security agencies and stakeholders for supporting the command.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 12 officers were issued letters of commendation for their contributions to the achievements recorded within months under review.

The seized drugs were handed over to NDLEA, represented by ACN Wokoma Terry, who appreciated the customs for the seizures.