Operatives of the Ogun I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted cannabis sativa and Tramaking tablets, another brand of tramadol worth N117,587,405.00 from January to 21st November, 2024.
The Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller James Ojo who disclosed this to journalists at the Customs house, Abeokuta on 22nd November, 2024 said the seizures consist of 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels, weighing 7,217.7 kg, and 362 packs of Tramaking tablets of 225mg each.
Ojo stated that customs officers spend as much as a week in the bushes trailing the smugglers with a view to arresting them and seizing their wares.
According to him, this underscores the severity of drug trafficking within the borders.He added that the operations, through credible intelligence , were successfully carried out across various strategic locations in Ogun State.
Comptroller Ojo also revealed that between 13th October, 2024 and 12th November, 2024 alone, the Command intercepted a total of 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,337 kg, and 362 packs of Tramaking tablets of 225mg each, abandoned at various locations, including the Abeokuta axis, the Agbawo/Igankoto area of Yewa North Local Government Area, and the Imeko Afon axis, among others.
In line with the Service’s standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration, the Command handed over the seizures to the Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, Commander of Narcotics Olusegun Adeyeye, for further investigation.
He announced that the implications of the recorded seizures are profound and it disrupts the supply chain of illicit drugs, thereby mitigating the risks the substances pose to our youth, families, and communities.
He said “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. We are deeply grateful for the synergy that has been fostered among all stakeholders in security framework of the Command.
“These landmark operations are a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Nigeria Customs Service to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens and to uphold the rule of law.
“The Ogun I Command and the entire Nigeria Customs Service will continue to employ all lawful means to thwart any attempt to smuggle prohibited items through our borders.
“The safety, security, and health of Nigerians remain our paramount concern. We will continue to strengthen our operations, enhance intelligence gathering, and work closely with relevant agencies to combat all forms of smuggling and criminal activities. ”
After taking over the drugs, CN Adeyeye thanked the NCS for being steadfast and focused in following up with the smugglers to make the seizures.
The NDLEA chief said such illicit drugs have tendencies to promote crime, distort the social balance of the society and cause arm to the consumers.
Adeyeye also commended the inter agency collaboration between customs and the NDLEA describing the two organisations as twin brothers that always work together.
