Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service in Ogun State has bursted a major smuggling operations intercepting a truck load of 2,693 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Marijuana, said to be worth over N172million.
It is the new trick now commonly in use by smugglers as they now acquire what looks like a purpose-built truck containing large parcels of illicit substances which are ingeniously concealed within fabricated compartments which are otherwise called False Bottom.
The credit for this intelligence-driven operations goes to the combat-ready men of Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of Comptroller, Godwin Otunla.
The latest successful operation was recorded on Sunday June 29, 2025 at about 0005hours during an operation when the Mercedes Truck with registration number EPE – 595 LA, driven by one 39-year old William Asare was attempting to smuggle the goods into the country through the Idiroko Border.
The substances weighed 1,450kg in total. According to sources, the driver of the truck was heading to Ibadan, Oyo State when he was intercepted.
Upon initial examination, the truck was suspected to be conveying prohibited items, while further inspection revealed the large consignments and was consequently seized and moved to the Customs Sentry for further investigation.
Addressing a press conference in Idiroko, Customs Comptroller Otunla highlighted the achievements of the Command in anti-smuggling operations and revenue generation.
Otunla said the successful interception of the large quantity of illicit drugs is a significant step in preventing the circulation of these harmful substances in our communities, especially among the youth populace and in safeguarding national security.
At the event witnessed by other inter-service agencies, the consignment was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with the arrested driver for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In his response, the Area Commander, NDLEA Special Command, Idiroko, Ekundayo Williams, commended Ogun 1 Area Command of the NCS for its sustained fight against smuggling, particularly drugs and assured that the suspect will be charged to court after thorough investigation by the NDLEA.
