Customs Seizes N3.57bn Contraband Including 6,035 Parcels of Cannabis in Ogun

(Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, Oladapo Afeni Briefing Journalists. Photo by Punch News)

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has intercepted 6,035 parcels of c@nnab!s, 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice and other prohibited items valued at N3.57 billion in duty-paid terms.

The Acting Customs Area Controller announced the seizures on Thursday while displaying the confiscated goods at the command's headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State.

The interceptions occurred between June 24 and August 13, 2026, during an intensified campaign against smuggling and cross-border infractions.

Among the seized items were 6,035 parcels of cannabis variants, 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 70 cartons of basmati rice, 30 bags of foreign sugar, 11,450 litres of fuel in kegs, 1,750 litres in drums and 30 25-litre kegs of diesel. Additional confiscations included 100 bags of fertiliser, 67 bales of second-hand clothing, 2,674 pieces of new shorts and trousers, 3,760 pieces of new tops, 85 fire extinguishers, 480 cartons of beverages, 53 packages of oats, 47 cartons of cosmetics, 36 packages of hair accessories, three packages of surgical shoes and 127 new purses, with a combined duty-paid value of N3,574,435,248.08.

The controller stated the command had escalated operations through intelligence work, technology deployment and heightened enforcement, cautioning that operations would become progressively more difficult for smugglers.

He emphasised that contrary to claims by perpetrators that smuggling constitutes harmless commerce or survival strategy, the illicit trade poses severe risks to communities and the economy.

The smuggling of foreign rice particularly undermines local farmers and agricultural investors while jeopardising billions invested toward achieving food self-sufficiency, he noted.

Continued trafficking of foreign grain could force domestic mills to cease operations, intensify joblessness and obstruct government initiatives to encourage domestic agricultural development.

He stressed that purchasing smuggled foreign rice rather than locally processed varieties effectively exports employment opportunities to other nations while increasing domestic unemployment and hardship.

Regarding the seized narcotics, the Customs chief characterised them as posing grave threats to young Nigerians and communities, stating the agency collaborates with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to dismantle trafficking networks.

He asserted that c@nnab!s smuggling and dangerous variants constitute crimes with serious consequences that destroy lives, incite neighbourhood violence and damage the economy.

From January 2026 to August, the command transferred 32,412 parcels of drugs and 92 sacks of raw c@nnab!s to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command.

Inter-agency cooperation remains essential to combating narcotics trafficking and other transnational crimes, he emphasised.

The command generated N90,066,164 in July 2026 from baggage assessments, perishable goods auctions, fuel charges and other sources.

Export activity totalled 10,110 metric tonnes with a Free On Board value of N2,594,078,654 during the period reviewed.

The controller warned smuggling syndicates against utilising Ogun border passages as transit corridors for prohibited goods, pledging continued seizure of contraband, vehicle impoundment and prosecution of offenders.

"We are adapting faster than you are. If you do not trade legitimately, we will continue to seize your goods, impound your vehicles and send you to prison," he stated.

He appealed to traditional leaders, youth organisations and border community residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies.

He urged Nigerians to purchase locally produced agricultural and manufactured goods, particularly rice, to strengthen domestic industries, generate employment and ensure food security.

The seized narcotics were transferred to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command for further investigation following established protocols.