COMPT OTUNLA TURNS THE HEAT ON SMUGGLERS; SEIZES N172.9 MILLION TRUCK-LOAD OF CANNABIS SATIVA IN A DAY
Just in one successful operation, the Idiroko customs Border command has made a seizure of N172.9 million worth of cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana.
Briefing newsmen today while handing over the seized drugs to the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Ogun 1 Area Controller, Compt Godwin Otunla disclosed that the 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,450 kg was neatly concealed in a Mercedes Benz truck with registration number EPE-595-LA.
According to him, on Sunday, 29 June 2025, at about 0005 hours, their operatives, during an intelligence-driven operation, intercepted a Mercedes Benz Truck with registration number EPE-595-LA. The vehicle was driven by one Mr. William Asare, a 39-year-old Nigerian resident of Mobil, Challenge area, Ibadan, Oyo State. Upon initial examination, the truck was suspected to be conveying prohibited items. Further inspection revealed that several parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana, had been ingeniously concealed within fabricated compartments — also referred to as a false bottom — of the truck.
In accordance with Section 226 of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act, 2023, the truck was immediately moved to the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko for further investigation. A comprehensive physical examination revealed a total of 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,450kg. Other enabling provisions of the NCS Act 2023 that guided this operation include Sections 6 and 250. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizure amount to N172,920,000.
He deposed that the successful interception of this large quantity of illicit drugs is a significant step in preventing the circulation of these harmful substances in our communities — especially among our youth — and in safeguarding national security. He reaffirms the Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling and cross-border crimes.
It is barely 2 weeks since they last held a press briefing during which they highlighted the achievements of the Command in anti-smuggling operations and revenue generation.
He said, ‘as you may recall, we reiterated the Command’s unwavering resolve to continue combating smuggling activities within Ogun State. ‘He is pleased to inform us that, in line with this commitment and through sustained enforcement efforts backed by credible intelligence, the Command has recorded yet another remarkable success. By meticulously deploying strategies tailored to counter emerging smuggling trends, their operatives achieved this feat within a matter of days
He stressed, having secured the approval of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) and Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, he handed over the seized cannabis and the suspect to the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and necessary action.
He uses the opportunity to congratulate the CGC on his well-deserved election as the Chairperson of the WCO Council, comprising 186 member countries. This is a prestigious global recognition of his visionary leadership and commitment to reform and modernization in the Nigeria Customs Service. He is also pleased to announce that the Command has just taken delivery of 13 operational vehicles, generously allocated by the CGC to boost their operational capacity. They are deeply grateful to him and the entire management team for their continued support and encouragement.