By Omobolaji Adekunle
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Command, has seized contraband valued at over N1.4 billion within a 48-day period across various parts of the state.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, announced the development at a press briefing in Idiroko, where he attributed the feat to intelligence-driven operations, resilience, and the commitment of officers.
The seized items included 4,424 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 105 bags of cannabis sativa, 105 units of used tyres, 21 bales and three sacks of used clothing, three vehicles including a Rolls-Royce, and 6,400 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Otunla noted that the seizures, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,401,531,923.95, dealt a heavy blow to smugglers while safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and security.
He added that the command generated N45,054,191 in July, representing a 27.47 per cent increase compared to N35,327,852 recorded in the same month last year. The growth, he said, reflects enhanced compliance, improved border monitoring, and stronger engagement with stakeholders.
On the cannabis seizure, the comptroller said the illicit drugs would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and action.
“Our synergy with other security agencies is not only in line with government directives but also reinforces our collective resolve to protect public health, secure the nation, and shield our youths from the devastating effects of hard drugs,” he stated.
