NCS Hands Over 1,878kg Cannabis Worth ₦1.93bn To NDLEA In Ogun

By Samuel Egbewole

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, has handed over 1,878kg of Cannabis sativa, valued at ₦1.93 billion, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.

The consignment, comprising 3,893 parcels of cannabis, was seized at various locations within the command’s area of responsibility.

The Area Comptroller, Ogun I Area Command, Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this on Friday during the formal handover of the seized drugs to the Commander of the NDLEA Idiroko Special Area Command, Olufemi Akande, at Idiroko.

Afeni said the handover was carried out in accordance with the agencies’ standard operating procedures and the applicable legal framework to enable further investigation and necessary action.

He reaffirmed the command’s resolve to disrupt the movement of illicit goods and drugs through the nation’s borders, particularly activities capable of undermining the economy and public safety.

“We will continue to fish out criminals, especially smugglers who engage in illicit goods, drugs, and run them out of business,” Afeni said.

In his remarks, Akande commended the collaboration between the NCS and NDLEA, attributing the seizure and subsequent handover to the cooperation between both agencies.

He said the agencies would continue to prevent Nigeria from being used as a transit route for illicit drugs, while urging stakeholders to support efforts to tackle drug trafficking and abuse.

Akande expressed concern over the increasing number of youths abusing drugs, warning that the presence and circulation of illicit drugs posed a threat to the future of the country.

“When we have drugs within the system, we are playing with the future of the country,” he said.

He further called for sustained joint efforts to curb the movement of illicit drugs and prevent their passage through the country.