The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced significant successes in its anti-smuggling operations, including the interception of illicit drugs which have now been formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Command Headquarters in Ibadan, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, stated that the seizures were made through coordinated intelligence-led patrols across various flashpoints within the command’s jurisdiction.
Among the items confiscated were large quantities of cannabis sativa and other controlled substances, which were promptly transferred to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
Comptroller Oramalugo reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts in curbing drug trafficking and protecting the nation’s economy and public health.
“Our collaboration with sister agencies like the NDLEA underscores our zero-tolerance stance on smuggling and illegal drug activities. We will not relent in our duty to safeguard our borders and uphold national security,” he said.
The NDLEA representative who received the items, Mr. Ibrahim Daura, commended the Customs Command for its vigilance and proactive efforts. He assured that the agency would carry out its mandate on the matter to the fullest extent of the law.
The Customs boss also revealed that other contraband items such as foreign parboiled rice, second-hand clothing, and premium motor spirit (PMS) were also seized during the period under review, amounting to millions of naira in duty paid value.
