The Nigerian Customs Service’s Oyo/Osun Area Command, led by Dr. Ben Oramalugo, seized 2,280 wraps of Cannabis sativa weighing 1824 kg.
The substance was concealed in over 200 sacks of sawdust and transported in a six-tyre DAF truck along the Ilero axis of Oyo State.
According to the command’s Public Relations Officer and Superintendent of Customs, Kayode Wey, the operation took place on Friday.
Oramalugo disclosed that the operation was part of a broader strategy to combat the smuggling of illegal and harmful substances into the country, adding that it also underscored the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting public health and safety.
He mentioned that the seizure of the 2,280 wraps of Cannabis Sativa was a testament to the vigilance, dedication, and professionalism of Command’s officers.
“The smugglers’ attempt to disguise this illegal substance under over 200 sacks of sawdust was a calculated effort to evade detection, but our team’s intelligence and thorough inspections have once again ensured that these harmful drugs do not reach our communities.
“The interception was carried out based on intelligence by one of the various commands’s anti-smuggling units. Upon identification of the truck where it was packed, the 6-tyre DAF truck was thoroughly inspected, leading to the discovery and confirmation of the Cannabis sativa, which was strategically hidden under the sawdust to avoid detection,” Oramalugo said.
Oramalugo went on to say that the seizure underlined how far smugglers will go to sell illegal substances and that it also demonstrated the Command’s unwavering dedication to preventing such operations.
He emphasised that the command was resolved to prevent illegal narcotics from invading our society and that the negative impact of Cannabis sativa on public health, particularly among our youth, could not be overemphasised.
He stated that after approval was granted from the Service Headquarters, the seized Cannabis sativa would be handed over to the competent authorities (NDLEA) for further examination and disposal, as required by law.
He urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to drug trafficking or smuggling to the nearest customs office or police enforcement.
According to him, combating drug smuggling is a community responsibility that requires the participation of all citizens, and he promised that the Command would continue to intensify its efforts to combat all forms of illegal commerce in order to ensure people’s safety and well-being.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command, remains resolute in its mission to safeguard the nation’s borders and protect the public from the dangers posed by smuggling and the distribution of illegal substances,” Oramalugo said.
