Compt. Otunla Bares his Enforcement Fangs against Smugglers, Impounds N172.9M worth of Cannabis Sativa in a Single Swoop

Compt. Otunla Bares his Enforcement Fangs against Smugglers, Impounds N172.9M worth of Cannabis Sativa in a Single Swoop

Comptroller Godwin Otunla, CAC, Ogun Area 1 Command, Idiroko, NCS

The Ogun 1 Area Border Command, Idiroko, of the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to make life unbearable for Smugglers and economic saboteur, especially since the advent of the present Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Godwin Otunla who is putting in place all measures to ensure consolidation on achievements, and as well give them a run for their monies.

To no surprise, the Border command recently recorded and showcased a single swoop seizure of N172.9 million worth of cannabis sativa aka marijuana.

This was disclosed to newsmen on Thursday July 03, 2025 at its headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State while handing over the seized drugs to the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Ogun 1 Area Controller.

Comptroller Godwin Otunla during the event showcased a total of 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,450 kg which was neatly concealed in a Mercedes Benz truck with registration number EPE-595-LA.

Explaining further on the seizure, the CAC said, on Sunday, 29 June 2025, at about 0005 hours, their operatives, during an intelligence-driven operation, intercepted a Mercedes Benz Truck with registration number EPE-595-LA. The vehicle was said to be driven by one Mr. William Asare, a 39-year-old Nigerian resident of Mobil, Challenge area, Ibadan, Oyo State.

However, upon examination, the truck was initially suspected to be conveying prohibited items, was having subjected to further inspection revealed to contain several parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana, which had been ingeniously concealed within fabricated compartments — also referred to as a false bottom-of the truck.

Comptroller Otunla said, in accordance with Section 226 of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act, 2023, the truck was immediately moved to the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko for further investigation, where a comprehensive physical examination revealed a total of 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,450kg.

Other enabling provisions of the NCS Act 2023 that guided this operation include Sections 6 and 250.

However, the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizure was put at N172,920,000.

The CAC also attested that the successful interception of this large quantity of illicit drugs, which came barely two week after the last press briefing, 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 however reaffirms the Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling and cross-border crimes.

According to him, “as you may recall, we reiterated the Command’s unwavering resolve to continue combating smuggling activities within Ogun State.

“In line with this commitment and through sustained enforcement efforts backed by credible intelligence, the Command has recorded yet another remarkable success. By meticulously deploying strategies tailored to counter emerging smuggling trends, their operatives achieved this feat within a matter of days”, Otunla said.

 Meanwhile, having secured the approval of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) and Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the CAC handed over the seized cannabis and the suspect to the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and necessary action.

He used the opportunity to congratulate the CGC on his well-deserved election as the Chairperson of the WCO Council, comprising 186 member countries.

This, he said, is a prestigious global recognition of his visionary leadership and commitment to reform and modernization in the Nigeria Customs Service.

Similarly, the CAC used the occasion to announce that the Command has just taken delivery of about 13 operational vehicles, generously allocated by the CGC to boost their operational capacity.