Harvest of Illicit Drugs Seizures at Ogun 1 Customs, as Ojo Hands Over N17.5M worth of Cannabis, Tramaking to NDLEA.
Comptroller James Folorunso Ojo, CAC, Ogun Area 1 Command, NCS
The battle against illegal movement of hard drugs and medicaments within the Nigerian border regions have continued with a more daring vigour, as Ogun 1 Area Command tends to be leading the enforcement pack in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Recent humongous display of the seizures of different sizes and shapes of Cannabis Sativa and types of Tramaking that were showcased by the command at the NCS warehouse in Abeokuta capital of the State is said to be a testamental fact to the continued hounding of recalcitrant drug peddlers that are still operating within the Ogun border regions in recent times.
At the press conference held yesterday Friday November 22, 2024, to showcase the command’s enforcement feat against movement of illegal drugs in the Ogun Border regions, the Customs Area Comptroller (CAC) of the command, Comptroller James Ojo, further stamped his led command’s enforcement authority over the menace of drug trafficking within the Ogun 1 Area jurisdiction as he handed over Cannabis Sativa weighing about 7,217.7kg and 362 packs of 225mg Tramaking tablets to officials of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Comptroller Ojo addressing the press and invited guests
During the press briefing address which highlighted the significant achievement of his led command in a collective fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking from January to 21 November 2024, in which the CAC said is being done with a sense of duty and commitment to the safety and security of the nation, Comptroller Ojo said, through credible intelligence and strategic operations, the operatives of the Ogun I Command intercepted and seized substantial quantities of cannabis sativa and Tramaking tablets, another brand of tramadol.
Giving the breakdown of the drugs seizures, the CAC revealed that the seized drugs items consist of 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels, weighing 7,2 17.7 kg, and 362 packs of Tramaking tablets of 225mg each, all with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of NI17,587,405.00.
In his words, “This underscores the severity of drug trafficking within our borders. The operations were successfully carried out across various strategic locations in Ogun State,” Comptroller Ojo said.
Worried about the alarming rate in the height of illicit drug smuggling in recent times, the CAC gave instances where between 13 October 2024 and 12 November 2024 alone, operatives of the command under his watch intercepted a total of 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,337 kg, and 362 packs of Tramaking tablets of 225mg each, abandoned at various locations, including the Abeokuta axis, the Agbawo/Igankoto area of Yewa North Local Government Area, and the Imeko Afon axis, among others.
Some of the Hard Drugs Seizure
He however declared that, these landmark operations are a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Nigeria Customs Service to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens and to uphold the rule of law.
On the implications of the recorded seizures which he said are profound, Ojo further stated that this action disrupted the supply chain of illicit drugs, thereby mitigating the risks these substances pose to the nation’s teeming youths, families, and communities.
Praising the robust collaboration pact of the command with other relevant stakeholders, the CAC said the successful interception of these dangerous substances would not have been possible without the robust collaboration and support from our intelligence units, local informants, and sister agencies, noting the command is deeply grateful for the synergy that has been fostered among all stakeholders in security framework of the Command.
Meanwhile, in line with the standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration, the Ojo led command handed over the seized cannabis and Tramadol tablets to the Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, CN Olusegun Adeyeye, for further investigation and possible prosecution, as he noted that the step did not only ensures the continuation of due process but also underscores the service transparency and commitment to justice.
While he commended officers and men of the Ogun Area 1 Command for their vigilance and courage, Ojo as well issued a strong warning to those who still engaged in the nefarious trade of drug trafficking and other smuggling activities.
Compt. Ojo in a Chat with AC Eneh, one of his officers at the event
“We remain resolute and uncompromising in our mission. The Ogun I Command and the entire Nigeria Customs Service will continue to employ all lawful means to thwart any attempt to smuggle prohibited items through our borders”, he stated.
Comptroller James Ojo however pertinently applauded the enormous support and enabling environment created by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, which he said are the bedrock of all contributory factors to our success story in Ogun State.
Some NDLEA Officials at the event
He also reiterated his paramount stance in the safety, security, and health of Nigerians as a huge concern, noting that his led command will continue to strengthen its operations, enhance intelligence gathering, and work closely with relevant agencies to combat all forms of smuggling and criminal activities.
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