Customs Seizes  Cannabis, Rice, Other Contraband Worth #3.57bn in Ogun

.... intercepts 6,035 parcels of suspected Ghana Loud/Indica, 2,339 bags of foreign rice, other prohibited goods

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 6,035 parcels of suspected Ghana Loud/Indica, 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice and other prohibited items with a total duty-paid value of N3.57bn.

The Acting Customs Area Controller of the command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters, Sentry, Idiroko, Ogun State.

Afeni said the seizures were part of the command’s sustained operations against smuggling and other cross-border criminal activities, adding that the items were intercepted through intelligence-led operations and enhanced surveillance.

According to him, the seizures included 70 cartons of basmati rice, 30 bags of foreign sugar, 11,450 litres of Premium Motor Spirit in kegs, 1,750 litres of PMS in drums, 30 kegs of diesel, 100 bags of fertiliser and 67 bales of second-hand clothing.

He added that officers also intercepted 2,674 pieces of new shorts and trousers, 3,760 pieces of new tops, 85 fire extinguishers, 480 cartons of Pure Haven drinks, 53 packages of oats, 47 cartons of cosmetics, 36 packages of hair accessories, three packages of surgical shoes and 127 new purses.

The Acting Controller said the command had intensified its enforcement activities in line with the policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, aimed at curbing smuggling and protecting local industries and agricultural investments.

He said the continued influx of smuggled foreign rice undermined local farmers, rice millers and other businesses, warning that illicit trade could worsen unemployment and weaken Nigeria’s drive for food self-sufficiency.

Afeni also warned against the smuggling of cannabis and other illicit drugs, saying such activities posed serious threats to public health, national security and the well-being of young Nigerians.

He formally handed over the seized narcotics to the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Idiroko Special Command, Deputy Commander Oluwole Fagbohun, for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

The Acting Controller disclosed that from January 2026 to date, the Ogun I Command had handed over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 sacks of raw cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, stressing that inter-agency cooperation remained critical to combating drug trafficking.

Responding during the handover, the NDLEA Commander, Idiroko Special Area Command, Deputy Commander Oluwole Fagbohun, commended the Customs Service and its officers for the successful interception and transfer of the illicit drugs to the agency. He said the gesture demonstrated the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling illicit drug trafficking and abuse, particularly within the border environment.

Fagbohun said the interception reflected the vigilance, professionalism and commitment of the Customs Service to national security. He also commended the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), for his leadership in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, assuring that the Idiroko Special Area Command would continue to strengthen its partnership with Customs and other relevant agencies.

He added that the seized substances would be properly documented, investigated and handled in line with established procedures and the law. According to him, the handover was more than a transfer of seized substances, but a demonstration of unity and collective commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting especially young people from the dangers of illicit drugs.

On revenue and trade, Afeni said the command generated N90.06m in July 2026 through baggage assessments, auctions of perishable goods, PMS and other charges, while its export activities recorded 10,110 metric tonnes with a Free On Board value of N2.59bn.

He said major export commodities included white talc, crushed thermal coal and compressed natural gas.

Afeni urged traditional rulers, youth leaders and residents of border communities to support the Customs Service by reporting suspicious activities, while calling on Nigerians to patronise locally produced goods, particularly rice.

He warned smugglers that the command would continue to seize contraband, impound vehicles and prosecute offenders, declaring that Ogun I would remain hostile to illicit trade.