The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, has confiscated various contraband goods, including 2,448 wraps of cannabis sativa and 2,667 used tyres, in operations conducted over a period of two and a half months.
The Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, disclosed these details during a press briefing in Ibadan on Friday, outlining the command’s achievements between June 14 and August 29.
Dr. Oramalugo highlighted that, in addition to the cannabis and tyres, the command also seized a used Mazda car, 2,183 bags of 50-kilogramme foreign rice, 753 kegs and 94 drums of petrol, and 24 bales of used clothing. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items is estimated at N713,150,400.
Expressing concern over the detrimental impact of drug abuse on the country’s security, Dr. Oramalugo emphasized the need to curb the continuous consumption of hard drugs, particularly among the youth. He underscored the role of the Nigeria Customs Service in supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to reduce or eliminate the drug menace contributing to national insecurity.
“Drugs are very dangerous, and no human being will kill or rob without being under the influence of drugs,” Dr. Oramalugo stated. He added that the command would not allow the drug trade to flourish within its jurisdiction and highlighted the ongoing collaboration with the NDLEA to ensure that seized drugs are handed over for proper prosecution.
Despite challenges such as difficult terrains and less-advanced technology, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has intensified its efforts to combat smuggling activities. Dr. Oramalugo noted that the command is increasingly adopting technological innovations and strategies, while also collaborating with other security agencies to counter the evolving tactics of smugglers.
Additionally, the Area Controller reported that the command generated N48.7 billion in revenue between January and August 2024, marking a 2.74 percent increase compared to the N47.4 billion generated during the same period in 2023.
