The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko, on Thursday handed over 2,693 parcels of Cannabis Sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), following a major interception by its anti-smuggling unit.

The seized consignment, weighing 1,450 kilograms and valued at over ₦172.9 million in duty payable terms, was intercepted along the Ilaro axis in Yewa South Local Government Area. The contraband, compressed into coconut-sized blocks and sealed in yellow cellophane, was ingeniously concealed in a false compartment at the base of a Mercedes-Benz articulated truck bearing Lagos registration number EPE 959 YK.

Briefing journalists during the handover ceremony at the Customs Sentry in Idiroko, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, disclosed that the operation, which took place on Sunday, June 29, was made possible through sustained intelligence surveillance.

Otunla revealed that the truck, which had been placed under covert monitoring from its point of origin, was intercepted before it could reach its intended, but yet-to-be-determined destination. A 39-year-old suspect, identified as Williams Asare, who drove the truck, was arrested in connection with the seizure.

While commending the operatives involved for their vigilance and commitment, Otunla expressed deep concern over the long-term consequences of drug trafficking on Nigeria’s youth. He reiterated the Customs Service’s resolve to stem the tide of illicit drug movement across the nation’s borders.

“In line with the spirit of inter-agency cooperation,” the comptroller stated, “we are handing over the seized substances and the suspect to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.”

Receiving the consignment, the Narcotics Commander of NDLEA’s Idiroko Special Area Command, Mr. Olaniyi Ekudayo, commended the Customs team for their dedication and professionalism. He assured that NDLEA would carry out a laboratory analysis of the seized items and pursue all necessary legal actions.

“This handover underscores the growing synergy among security agencies, particularly between the Customs and NDLEA,” Ekudayo noted. “Such collaboration remains key to dismantling drug networks and safeguarding national security.”