Custom intercepts cannabis worth N5bn, rice, others in Ogun
Nigeria Customs Service Intercepts Over N5 Billion in Cannabis and Other Contraband in Ogun
Ogun State, Nigeria — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ogun Area 1 Command has successfully intercepted 10,126 parcels of Cannabis Indica, often referred to as Ghana Loud, with an estimated street value exceeding N5 billion.
This most recent seizure follows a previous operation 41 days ago, during which the command handed over 2,543 parcels of cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Idiroko Special Command.
In addition to the cannabis, the NCS reported a total of 72 other seizures. These included 26 sacks of raw cannabis sativa, 50 cartons of expired Maggi Star, 1,759 bags of 50 kg foreign parboiled rice, and various quantities of vegetable oil and Premium Motor Spirit. Other items seized were 205 packs of footwear, 66 bales of secondhand clothing, and six live pangolins.
During a press briefing on Tuesday at the Sentry Idiroko Border Post, Acting Customs Area Comptroller Olukayode Afeni stated that these contraband items were intercepted at multiple locations throughout Ogun State. He emphasized that these actions demonstrate the command’s ongoing commitment to combating smuggling and protecting national resources from illegal trade.
Afeni expressed concerns regarding the adverse effects of drug abuse on society, particularly among youth, noting its links to various criminal activities. He confirmed that the command had executed a total of 73 seizures within a five-week period, contributing to a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N6.78 billion for the intercepted items.
“From January to date, we have taken 26,002 parcels of cannabis off the streets,” Afeni said. “This is not merely a seizure; it’s a preventive measure for community health.”
Additionally, he highlighted that from March 16 to May 12, 2026, the command generated ₦125.43 million in revenue through baggage assessments and the auction of seized petroleum products.
Afeni reiterated the NCS’s commitment to community safety and urged public collaboration to bolster economic growth. He also facilitated the transfer of the seized substances to NDLEA Commander Ekundayo Williams, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of various agencies in the fight against smuggling and economic sabotage.
