The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigerian Customs Service, led by Dr. Ben Oramalugo, has seized 2,280 wraps of Cannabis Sativa weighing 1824kg.
The substance, according to the command, was concealed in over 200 sacks of sawdust, while being transported in a six-tyre DAF truck along the Ilero axis of Oyo State.
A statement on Friday by the command’s Public Relations Officer and Superintendent of Customs, Kayode Wey, quoted Oramalugo as saying that the operation took place on Wednesday, August 14.
Oramalugo said 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 said 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 Command’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 who explained further that, the seizure highlighted the extent smugglers would go to distribute illegal drugs, added that the seizure also demonstrated the Command’s unwavering commitment to thwarting such efforts.
He stated that the command was determined to prevent illegal substances from infiltrating our society, saying that the adverse impact of Cannabis Sativa on public health, and especially on our youth, could not be overstated.
He added that as soon as approval was granted from the Service Headquarters, the seized Cannabis Sativa would be handed over to the appropriate authorities (NDLEA) for further investigation and disposal, according to the law.
He appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to drug trafficking or smuggling to the nearest Customs office or law enforcement agency.
According to him, the fight against drug smuggling is a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of all citizens, assuring that the Command would continue to intensify its efforts aimed at combating all forms of illegal trade towards ensuring the safety and well-being of the people.
“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
