NCS hands over N148 million worth of cannabis to NDLEA

The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over seized cannabis sativa, valued at N148.93 million, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and recorded N18 billion in revenue generation between June 14 and August 29, 2024.

The Area Controller, Dr Ben Oramalugo, said that in a bid to tackle smugglers’ ever-evolving tactics, the command adopted technological innovations and strengthened collaboration with other security agencies, stakeholders, and the general public to combat smuggling and protect our economy from the dangers of illicit trade.

Oramalugo said that despite the prevailing economic challenges, which significantly influenced the decision-making of various stakeholders operating within the Command Area, the Oyo/Osun Area Command achieved remarkable success in revenue collection.

Speaking during the handover of the cannabis, the Area Controller said the seizure consisted of 2,448 wraps and 11 sachets of cannabis sativa weighing a total of 2,020 kilograms.

He noted that the Comptroller General of Customs, B.A. Adeniyi had approved the transfer of the seized narcotics to the NDLEA as part of efforts to ensure that the illegal drugs were kept out of circulation and adequately destroyed.

“The decision to hand over the seized cannabis sativa to the NDLEA is a reflection of our commitment to supporting the agency in its mandate to rid the country of illegal drugs,” he added.

He further emphasised that collaboration between the Customs Service and the NDLEA is crucial in maintaining the nation’s safety and security.

In addition to the cannabis seizure, the Oyo/Osun Area Command recorded other significant anti-smuggling successes during the same period. These included the interception of 40,915 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 2,183 bags of foreign parboiled rice, and various used vehicles and tyres, with a Duty-Paid Value of N713.15 million.