The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Command, has made a significant seizure of cannabis sativa, intercepting a truck loaded with 2,693 parcels of the illicit substance, weighing 1,450kg, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N172,920,000.
According to The Nation, this was disclosed by Customs Area Controller of the Command, Controller Godwin Otunla, on Thursday during a press briefing held at the Idiroko Area Command.
He said his men intercepted a truck loaded with 2,693 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 1.450kg with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N172,920,000.
Otunla said: “On Sunday, 29 June 2025, at about 0005 hours, our operatives, during an intelligence-driven operation, intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number EPE-595-LA. The vehicle was driven by one Mr. William Asare, a 39-year-old Nigerian resident of Mobil, Challenge area, Ibadan, Oyo State.
“Upon initial examination, the truck was suspected to be conveying prohibited items. Further inspection revealed that several parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana, had been ingeniously concealed within fabricated compartments, also referred to as a false bottom, of the truck.
“In accordance with Section 226 of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act, 2023, the truck was immediately moved to the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko for further investigation. 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 Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizure amounts to N172,920,000.
“The successful interception of this large quantity of illicit drugs is a significant step in preventing the circulation of these harmful substances in our communities, especially among our youth, and in safeguarding national security.
Otunla reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling and cross-border crimes, demonstrating their resolve to prevent illicit activities.
He announced that, following approval of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) and Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the seized cannabis and suspect would be handed over to the NDLEA for thorough investigation and subsequent action.
