No fewer than 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa concealed in a truck have been seized by operatives of the Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), according to the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Controller Godwin Otunla.
Otunla disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the Idiroko Area Command.
He explained that the operatives intercepted a truck loaded with 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,450kg, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N172,920,000.
“On Sunday, 29 June 2025, at about 12:05 am, 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 several parcels of cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana, ingeniously concealed within fabricated compartments, also referred to as a false bottom, of the truck,” Otunla said.
He further stated that the truck was immediately moved to the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko for a comprehensive physical examination in accordance with Section 226 of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act, 2023. The search uncovered 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,450kg.
Otunla cited Sections 6 and 250 of the NCS Act 2023 as additional legal backing for the operation.
“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,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling and cross-border crimes.
Otunla added, “Having secured the approval of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) and Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, I will now hand over the seized cannabis and the suspect to the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and necessary action.”
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