Ogun Customs Intercepts N172M Cannabis In Yewa Axis

 

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted a total of 2,693 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, otherwise known as Indian hemp in Yewa axis of Ogun State.

According to the anti smuggling agency, the illicit drugs were concealed inside a false compartment fabricated at the bottom of a Mercedes Benz truck.

Ogun 1 Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Godwin Otunla, who made this known while briefing newsmen at the Idiroko border post, put the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized substances at N172,920,000.

Otunla explained that illicit substances which weighed 1,450kg, was smuggled through the Idiroko border into the country.

He added that a suspect, identified as 39-year old William Asare, who is the driver of the Mercedes truck with marked EPE-595-LA, was arrested during the operation.

The Customs boss noted that the seizure was made in the early hours of Sunday 29, June 2025.

“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 amounts to N172,920,000”, Otunla stated.

Otunla handed the seized drugs and the suspect over to the officials of the Idiroko Special Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and likely prosecution.

In his response, the Area Commander, NDLEA Special Command, Idiroko, Ekundayo Williams, commended Ogun 1 Area Command of the NCS for its sustained fight against smuggling, particularly drugs and assured that the suspect will be charged to court after thorough investigation by the NDLEA