OGUN 1 COMMAND CRACKS DOWN ON ILLICIT DRUGS, HANDS OVER N279.5 MILLION SEIZURES TO NDLEA
The Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over a substantial haul of seized illicit drugs and other contraband to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The seized items include 1,057 parcels of cannabis sativa in coconut sizes and 2,074 parcels in book sizes, totaling 3,103kg with a Duty Paid Value of #279,595,038.00, 2,145 bags of smuggled foreign rice, equivalent to over four trailer loads, 612 bales of second hand clothing, 843 pieces of used tires, and 6,625 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS) auctioned due to its combustible nature.
The Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has generated #9,694,072 in revenue from baggage assessment and auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit. This significant contribution to the national revenue aligns with the Command’s duty to support the Federal Government’s financial objectives to boost revenue heneration and enhance national growth and security. The area Controller Ogun 1 command, Comptroller MS Shuaibu, recently held a stakeholders meeting to foster collaboration and growth.
According to him, “We convened a crucial dialogue on the challenges affecting the flow of legitimate cross-border trade. We hosted customs officers from Ogun 1 Command and Benin, Secretary General Inter-border Security Forum, security agencies, and clearing agents from Nigeria and Benin Republic. The engagement was important in identifying solutions to enhance trade and security at the Benin Republic and Idiroko corridor.”
Also, in addition to the aforementioned seizures, it is with great responsibility that i inform you of the imminent hand over of 3,365 parcels and 75 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 3,103.3kg, as well as 88 cartons of codeine cough syrup. The handled over seized drugs to NDLEA will go for proper disposal and investigation. The handled over seized drugs reflects the ongoing efforts of the command in curbing the distribution of illegal narcotics within the country. Which pose a significant threats to the health and safety of our citizens. These actions send a clear and unequivocal message to those who engage in illegal activities. The operatives of Ogun 1 command will continue to carry out their statutory responsibilities with dedication, ensuring that such illegal enterprises do not thrive in our area of responsibility. We remain resolute in our fight against smuggling. Every tactic employed by criminals to circumvent security checks will be futile, as our intelligence network, systematic monitoring and operational mechanism are robust and effective in identifying and tracking these economic saboteurs”, he said..
The Command has reaffirmed its commitment to securing borders and protecting national interests. Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu emphasized the importance of compliance with international trade agreements and safeguarding national security.
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