Nigerian Customs seizes cannabis sativa worth N2bn in Ogun

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, has intercepted and seized 6,035 wraps of cannabis Sativa with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2,087,603,186,76 billion in different locations of the state.

The Command’s Area Comptroller,  Olukayode Afeni, disclosed this while handing over the drugs to Olaniyi Ekundayo, the Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Area Command at Idiroko on Thursday.

He said that the handover is in line with standard operating procedures and legal framework for further investigation.

According to him, statistics has shown that Ghana Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, is linked to acute psychosis, severe cardiovascular distress, rapid addiction and long-term mental health degradation.

“The high profit margin of Ghana Loud is also linked to violent criminal networks, human trafficking, and illegal proliferation of arms across the borders”, he said.

The comptroller said that smuggling of cannabis and dangerous variants like Ghana Loud and Colorado to young demographics could destabilise schools and local communities.

Afeni said that from January till date, the command under his watch, handed over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 sacks of raw cannabis sativa to NDLEA Idiroko Special Command.

He emphasised that the fight against drug smuggling is a collective responsibility and reiterated the command’s commitment to remain resolute to securing borders and safeguarding the nation’s future.

He admonished drug traffickers to desist from such business because the command would continue to seize illicit goods and bring them down to their knees.

Responding, the NDLEA commander, represented by Adewale Fagbohun, a Director in Narcotics, commended the NCS for the efforts.

He said that the huge seizure showed custom diligence and resilience towards securing the country’s borders and society.

Ekundayo reaffirmed NDLEA’s efforts to continue to strengthen partnership with customs and other agencies to distort the activities of smugglers engaging in illicit drugs.

NAN