Uchenna Izuora
A major breakthrough unfolded at the Idiroko border in Ogun State, Nigeria when officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted a Mercedes Benz truck driven by William Asare, a 39-year-old resident of Ibadan on 29th June 2025 during a carefully planned intelligence-led operation.
The truck, bearing registration number EPE-595-LA, was found to be carrying a massive haul of illicit drugs—2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing a staggering 1,450 kilograms—concealed ingeniously within fabricated false compartments at the bottom of the vehicle.
Comptroller Godwin Otunla, the Customs Area Controller at Idiroko, described the seizure as a significant blow to drug smuggling networks that target border communities and vulnerable youths. He emphasized that the operation not only prevented a large quantity of harmful substances from circulating in Nigerian communities but also underscored the Customs Service’s commitment to national security and the fight against smuggling and cross-border crimes. The seized cannabis was valued at a Duty Paid Value of approximately N172.9 million.
Following the seizure, the truck and its illicit contents were promptly moved to the Customs headquarters for further investigation under the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. With the approval of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the suspect and the drugs were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for thorough investigation and prosecution. The NDLEA assured that the suspect would be brought to justice after due process.
This operation is part of ongoing efforts by the Ogun I Area Command, a frontline unit in Nigeria’s anti-smuggling and border security operations, which recently received 13 new operational vehicles to boost its capacity. Comptroller Otunla also congratulated the Comptroller-General on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization Council, highlighting the global recognition of his leadership.
The successful interception marks the second major cannabis seizure by the command within two weeks, reflecting a sustained and intensified crackdown on drug trafficking networks that threaten the nation’s social fabric and security.
This highlights the vigilance and collaboration of Nigerian customs and law enforcement agencies in combating the illicit drug trade and protecting the country’s borders from exploitation by criminal networks.