Ogun I Customs Confiscates ₦3.5BN Contraband, Hands Over 6,035 Parcels Of “Ghana Loud” To NDLEA In Massive Anti-Smuggling Sweep
Ogun I Customs Confiscates ₦3.5BN Contraband, Hands Over 6,035 Parcels Of “Ghana Loud” To NDLEA In Massive Anti-Smuggling Sweep
…CAC: “We have made Ogun I hostile territory for economic saboteurs”*
By Success Okezie
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted contraband worth _₦3,574,435,248.08_ in Duty Paid Value and handed over dangerous narcotics to the NDLEA, as part of its intensified campaign against smuggling and drug trafficking.
The Customs Area Controller disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, Idiroko. The event had in attendance the Commander, NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, Director DSS, Heads of Sister Agencies, Management Team, and members of the press.
According to Conptroller, Afeni stated that Smugglers sell the lie that what they do is harmless. “The facts prove otherwise.
. *It destroys agriculture*: Government and local investors have poured billions into achieving food self-sufficiency. Smuggled foreign rice collapses local mills, bankrupts farmers, and reverses national gains.
. *It steals our jobs*: Agriculture employs millions of Nigerian youths. Every bag of smuggled rice, bottle of foreign oil, wine or carton of pasta is a job exported abroad and poverty imported at home.
. *It threatens public health*: Most smuggled rice is rebagged in filthy conditions or stored for years past expiry. What enters your pot is not food, it is danger.
. *It funds crime*: Proceeds from drugs like ‘Ghana Loud’ finance kidnapping, armed robbery, arms proliferation and human trafficking.”
Continuing, Afeni said “Smuggling is economic sabotage. It robs our children of a future. No nation develops when its borders are treated as highways for criminality,” he declared.
He opined that Smugglers are becoming more desperate, using sophisticated methods to move rice and hard drugs. But our intelligence, technology and the courage of our officers have proven superior. “We have dismantled networks, choked supply lines, and made Ogun I Command hostile for economic saboteurs.”
Some of the seizures declared by the Ogun I Command are:
– _2,339 bags_ of foreign parboiled rice
– _70 cartons_ of Basmati rice
– _6,035 parcels_ of “Ghana Loud”/Indica
– _30 bags_ of foreign sugar, 50kg each
– _11,450 litres_ of PMS in kegs + _1,750 litres_ in drums
– _30 kegs_ of diesel, 25 litres each
– _100 bags_ of fertilizer, _67 bales_ of second-hand clothes
– _2,674 pieces_ of new shorts/trousers, _3,760 pieces_ of new tops
– _480 cartons_ of Pure Haven drinks, _47 cartons_ of cosmetics
– _85 fire extinguishers_ and other prohibited items
The total Duty Paid Value for these seized items is ₦3,574,435,248.08*
On the seizures of large quantities of hard drugs, the CAC said they represent millions of doses of devastation that would have destroyed families and fueled violent crime.
Research shows “Ghana Loud” causes acute psychosis, heart complications, rapid addiction and mental health breakdown. The profits fund criminal gangs and destabilize our schools and communities.
“In line with our mandate and SOPs, I am formally handing over _6,035 parcels of “Ghana Loud”/Indica_ and other seized narcotics to the Commander, NDLEA Idiroko Special Command for investigation and prosecution.”
From January to date, Ogun I Command has handed over _32,412 parcels of hard drugs_ and _92 sacks of raw cannabis sativa_ to NDLEA. The fight against drugs is a relay race, and we will keep passing the baton until we win.
For July 2026, the Command generated _₦90,066,164.00_ from baggage assessment, auctions and other charges.
On exports, the Command facilitated _10,110 metric tons_ with an FOB value of _₦2,594,078,654.00_. Major exports include white talc, crushed thermal coal and CNG. Customs is not just about revenue. We are the shield protecting Nigerian industries.
Afeni warned the smuggling syndicates to adapt or be crushed. “If you don’t trade legitimately, we will seize, impound and prosecute.”
He called on the traditional rulers, youth leaders and citizens to Partner with Customs, report suspicious movements along our borders.
“To Nigerians: Buy Nigerian. Your choice of local rice, oil, wine and pasta is an investment in jobs, food security and national pride.
I commend the gallantry of our officers whose sleepless nights are saving lives.
I also appreciate the visionary leadership of the CGC, _Bashir Adewale Adeniyi_, whose reforms have redefined operational excellence across the Service, Afeni concluded
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