The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, has intercepted and seized 6,035 wraps of cannabis sativa with a total duty paid value (DPV) of N2,087,603,186.76 in different locations of the state.

The command’s area comptroller, Olukayode Afeni, disclosed this while handing over the drugs to Olaniyi Ekundayo, the commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Area Command, at Idiroko on Thursday.

He said that the handover was in line with standard operating procedures and the legal framework for further investigation.

He noted that statistics showed that Ghana Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, was linked to acute psychosis, severe cardiovascular distress, rapid addiction, and long-term mental health degradation.

“The high profit margin of Ghana Loud is also linked to violent criminal networks, human trafficking, and illegal proliferation of arms across the borders,” he said.

The comptroller said that smuggling of cannabis and dangerous variants such as Ghana Loud and Colorado to young demographics could destabilise schools and local communities.

Mr Afeni said that from January till date, the command on his watch handed over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 sacks of raw cannabis sativa to NDLEA Idiroko Special Command.

He noted that the fight against drug smuggling was a collective responsibility and reiterated the command’s commitment to remaining resolute to securing borders and safeguarding the nation’s future.

He admonished drug traffickers to desist from such business because the command would continue to seize illicit goods and bring them down to their knees.

Responding, the NDLEA commander, represented by a director in Narcotics, Adewale Fagbohun, commended the NCS for the efforts.

He said that the huge seizure showed the customs’ diligence and resilience towards securing the country’s borders and society.

Mr Ekundayo reaffirmed NDLEA’s resolve to continue strengthening partnerships with customs and other agencies to distort the activities of smugglers engaging in illicit drugs.

(NAN)