The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a large quantity of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian hemp, smuggled through the Idiroko border.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday at the NSC Sentry Post in Idiroko, the Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, disclosed that the illegal substance was concealed in a false compartment at the bottom of a Mercedes Benz truck with registration number EPE-595-LA.
According to Otunla, a total of 2,693 parcels weighing 1,450kg were discovered in the early hours of Sunday, June 29, 2025. The seized consignment, smuggled into the country by a 39-year-old driver, William Asare, carries a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦172,920,000.
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“In accordance with Section 226 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the truck was immediately moved to the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko for further investigation,” Otunla said.
He added: “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 suspect and the seized items were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In response, Ekundayo Williams, Area Commander of the NDLEA Special Command in Idiroko, commended the Customs for their efforts in curbing drug trafficking.
“The cooperation between the Customs and the NDLEA is crucial in the ongoing war against illicit drugs. The suspect will be thoroughly investigated and charged to court,” Williams stated.
The operation underscores renewed efforts to tighten border security and disrupt drug smuggling networks.
