By Oluwatoyin Adegoke
In line with inter-agency protocols, the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has handed over seized illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Idiroko Special Area Command.
The substances included 11 wraps of crystal meth (ice) weighing 12 kilograms, 16 pieces of heroin weighing 16 kilograms and 3,373 wraps of cannabis sativa in doughnut-size, coconut-size, and booklet-sizes, weighing 1,502 kilograms.
During the handover at the Command’s headquarters, Idiroko, the Customs Area Controller, Mr Oladapo Afeni, noted that cannabis remained the most abused illicit drug globally, with one in three users requiring treatment.
The Customs Area Controller also said the Command generated over twenty-seven million naira in revenue within the month, attributing the achievement to improved compliance by legitimate traders.
He emphasized that legitimate trade facilitation would be sustained while enforcement against smuggling would also be strengthened.
Customs Controller noted that postings within the Command would be merit-based and performance-driven.
Mr Afeni acknowledged the leadership impacts of the Comptroller – General of Customs, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, while praising customs officers, community leaders, informants and the media for supporting the command.
He warned smugglers to stay away from Ogun State, restating that the Command would remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and security interests.
Receiving the exhibits, NDLEA Commander for Idiroko, Mr. Ekundayo Omoniyi, commended the Customs Command for strengthening inter-agency collaboration, describing the seizure as timely, especially during the festive period.
Mr Omoniyi gave assurance that investigations would be intensified to apprehend those responsible for the trafficking.
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