Customs intercepts Cannabis Sativa, Tramadol worth N117m

The Ogun Area 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko, on Friday, handed over Cannabis Sativa and Tramadol as well as other illicit drugs with Duty Payable Value (DPV) worth over N117 Million intercepted under an 11-month period to the state’s Special Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The seizure, which consisted of 403 sacks and 6, 504 parcels, weighing over 7, 217.7 kg, and 362 packs of Tramaking tablets (another brand of Tramadol) of 225 m.g each were intercepted by the NCS operatives between January to November 21 2024.

Speaking during the handing over of the contrabands to NDLEA at the event held within the presence of Ogun Area II Command in Abeokuta, NCS Controller for Area 1 Command, Comptroller James Ojo attributed the success story of the seizures to effective intelligence measures put in place by the command.

Ojo explained that the handling over to NDLEA was in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation, particularly when NDLEA is been the agency that is statutorily saddled with the responsibility of taking custody of such contraband.

“This step not only ensures the continuation of due process but also underscores our transparency and commitment to justice.

“The successful interception of these dangerous substances would not have been possible without the robust collaboration and support from our intelligence units, local informants, and sister agencies”.

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“We are deeply grateful for the synergy that has been fostered among all stakeholders in security framework of the Command.”

Ojo noted that no arrest was made because of the delicate nature of war against the drugs cartel worldwide, adding that the seizure was a result of the NCS’ intelligence put in place at the various border posts across the command.

He added that the contraband was a trans-border business item, Ojo stressed that his agency had been monitoring them from their countries of origin which included Ghana, and Cote D’Ivore among other West African countries.

While noting that the drug business is usually difficult to track down, ojo explained that his agency remained undeterred in the course of discharging its statutory duty, notwithstanding the attendant loss of lives of the operatives.

He further emphasized that NCS under his command would “continue to employ all lawful means to thwart any attempt to smuggle prohibited items through our borders”.

Speaking after taking possession of the contrabands, NDLEA Commander of the  Special Command, Idiroko, Adeyeye commended the Customs Area command for their doggedness, efforts, and contributions in the fight against illicit drugs.

Adeyeye stated that the seizure is a testament that NDLEA and Customs are synergising in the fight against drug abuse.