Ogun I Custom Command Seizes 1,309 Parcels of Cannabis Sativa

By Ranmilowo Ojalumo

The Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Custom Command, Comptroller James Ojo, on Thursday disclosed how his command seized 1, 309 parcels of cannabis sativa that were concealed in 90 sacks as well as 1,596 pieces of tokunbo tyres among other contraband items that his command intercepted within his 23 days in the command.

The controller disclosed that the cannabis consignment originated from Ghana.

ontroller Ojo disclosed that the command seized 103 items within the 23 days of taking over as the helmsmen of the command, with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N380, 370,911 (Three Hundred and Eighty Million, Three Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eleven Naira).

Controller Ojo assumed duty at Ogun 1 command on April 16, 2024 when he took over from controller Ahmadu Shu’aibu, who is now in charge of Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone “B”, Kaduna.

Aside from the cannabis and the pneumatic tyres, other items in the 103 seizures made at various locations across Ogun State, according to the controller, include 2, 922 bags (50kg) of foreign parboiled rice, 32 bales of used clothing, 1,603 cartons of frozen products and 22,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), among others.

The controller made the disclosure at his maiden press briefing in Abeokuta on Thursday, noting that the command was able achieve the result within the short period with the aid of intensive intelligence strategies and concerted efforts of intelligence network, such as the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), the DSS and others.

Controller Ojo lamented the rise in the abuse of cannabis sativa in Nigeria, especially among the youths, saying the abuse is a big threat to the nation’s security, given its potential influence on criminal activities, which include armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping among others. He noted that the command will continue to ensure that the substance is not allowed to find its way into the country.

The controller condemned smuggling of tokunbo tyres, which he described as ring-shaped protective coverings made of rubber, and filled with compressed air, into the country. He said “These tyres are deemed unsuitable for our highways because, significant numbers of them have exceeded their recommended lifespan from their manufacturing dates”, adding that safety experts’ findings revealed that “good-quality tyres are safe for use for only four years from the date of manufacturing. Any usage beyond this duration poses a significant risk to motorists and put their lives in jeopardy”.

Controller Ojo noted that smuggling of rice into the country is a negative effort to sabotage the economic effort on local production of rice, noting that such act will jeopardise the economic growth and development of the country.

The CAC however sent a warning signal to smugglers who he identified as economic saboteur in the state to desist and embrace legitimate trade, saying anyone caught in the act would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Meanwhile, the command within the stated number of days generated N14,628,661 as revenue through baggage assessment and auction sales of petroleum products. Controller Ojo however lamented that the trading activities across Idiroko border is not encouraging due to some challenges that traders are facing.

Controller however commended the controller general of custom, Bashir Adeniyi and his management team for providing the needed support.