Ogun 1 Command Confiscates Parcels of Ghana Loud, Record Multiple Seizures with DPV of over 3Billion

By Stella Okocha 

The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, has intercepted 6,035 parcels of Ghana loud/Indica and other prohibited items, with the total Duty paid value of N3,574,435,248.08.

Speaking at the press briefing on 13th, August, the acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, stated that the meeting was to update the public on their ongoing, relentless campaign against smuggling and to execute a critical inter-agency handover that underscores the strength of our national security architecture.

According to DC Afeni, he said these are not just numbers; but are millions of doses of devastation that would have otherwise flooded communities, fueled violent crime, and ruined the lives of the youth.

He emphasized that although their mandate as an enforcement agency is to clear, intercept, seize, and arrest; however, the specialized war against drug abuse and trafficking is a relay race, and true victory lies in seamless inter agency collaboration as no single agency can secure our nation alone.

According to Afeni, “Statistics have shown that Ghana Loud is linked to acute psychosis, severe cardiovascular distress, rapid addiction, and long-term mental health degradation. The high profit margins of ‘Ghana Loud’ directly fund violent criminal networks, human trafficking, and the illegal proliferation of arms across borders.

“Traffickers aggressively market these high-potency drugs to young demographics, destabilizing schools and local communities. The smuggling of cannabis and dangerous variants like Ghana Loud, Colorado and Cannabis sativa are not a victimless crime. It destroys lives, breeds violence in our neighbourhoods, and undermines our economy. Our agencies are fully coordinated, and we will prosecute anyone involved in the importation of these illegal substances to the fullest extent of the law”.

He sadly notes that It is bitter irony that foreign neighbouring countries happily cultivate these drugs for export, targeting Nigeria’s active market while refusing to consume them themselves. “We shall bring them down to their knees”he assured.

The Ogun 1 Command CAC also stated that he is a concerned citizen who cares deeply about the economic stability, health, and security of the nation; and smuggling is often painted by perpetrators as a harmless commercial venture or a simple means of survival.

Afeni also informed the press that the fight against drug smuggling is a collective responsibility, and the Ogun I command, under his leadership remains resolute in its commitment to securing the borders and safeguarding the nation’s future.

In his words, “Gentlemen of the press, from January to date, Ogun I Command under my watch has handed over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 Sacks of raw cannabis sativa to NDLEA Idiroko special command.

He added that In line with standard operating procedures and legal frameworks, he will formally hand over the aforementioned seized narcotics to the Commander of the NDLEA, Idiroko special command for further investigation.

While addressing the press on the other seizures, he said the Command also seized 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 70 cartons of basmati rice.

“Today, I am here to clear that misconception and lay bare the severe dangers that the smuggling of foreign rice and other prohibited items poses to us all. When foreign rice is smuggled into our markets, it undermines our local farmers and agricultural investors. Our government and local entrepreneurs have invested billions to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. Unimpeded smuggling forces local mills to close and leaves our farmer’s bankrupt” Afeni explained.

He added that agriculture is one of the largest employers of youth, and buying smuggled foreign grain instead of locally processed rice, will effectively export jobs to other countries while worsening unemployment and poverty at home.

He clarified that smuggled foreign rice is often re-bagged under unhygienic conditions or stored in warehouses for years, deteriorating past its safe consumption date.

“While some may view this simply as enforcement of import restrictions, the reality goes much deeper. This seizure is about protecting the livelihoods of our local farmers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs. Every time a bag of rice, bottle of smuggled vegetable oil, a bottle foreign wine or a carton of foreign pasta crosses our borders illegally, it deals a direct blow to our domestic industries thereby undermining National Self-Sufficiency. Our country has the capacity, the fertile land, and the industrious workforce to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. Unchecked smuggling cripples these national aspirations”, Afeni voiced.

Other seized items include 30 bags of foreign sugar (50kg each), 2,674 pieces of new short and trousers, 11,450 liters of PMS in kegs, 1,750 liters of PMS in drums, 30 kegs of diesels of 25 liters, 100 bags of fertilizer, 67 bales of secondhand clothing, 2,674 pieces of New short/trousers, 3,760 pieces of new top, 85 pieces of fire extinguisher, 480 cartons of pure haven drinks, 53 package Oats, 47 cartons of Cosmetics, 36 packages of hair accessories, 3 packages of surgical shoes and 127 pieces of new purse.

Afeni said those engaging in or aiding these illegal activities in short-term profit, is not worth the long-term ruin of your community and country. He added that smuggling is an economic sabotage that robs our children of a secure future, and no nation can grow when its borders are treated as gateways for criminality.

Explaining further, he said, “In recent months, this Command has recorded an unprecedented wave of constant, back-to-back seizures of foreign parboiled rice and illicit drugs. Smugglers and enemies of the state are becoming more desperate, employing highly sophisticated concealment methods to smuggle hard drugs into the country”.

“However, our intelligence networks, technological integration, and the raw determination of our officers on the frontline have proven superior. We have consistently dismantled their networks, intercepted their goods, and choked their supply lines. We will continue to put them on their toes, hit them very hard by making Ogun I command hostile for them”.

In terms of revenue, he said he is pleased to inform the press that the Command, in the month of July 2026 collected revenue of Ninety Million Sixty-Six Thousand one hundred and sixty-four Naira (N90,066,164.00) as baggage assessments, auctions of perishable items, PMS and other charges.

On our export performance, the command also recorded a total export volume of 10,110 metric tons with Free On Board (FOB) value of Two Billion five hundred and ninety-four million seventy-eight thousand Six hundred and fifty-four Naira (2,594,078,654).

Afeni added that the primary drivers of this export volume included white talc, crushed thermal coal and CNG; and that the Nigeria Customs Service is not just a revenue-generating agency; they are the frontline shield protecting the nation’s domestic economy. “We will not sit by and watch economic saboteurs dismantle the investments made by our local manufacturers”, he affirmed.

DC Afeni also informed the press, that in line with the mandate of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, Ogun I command under his leadership has stepped up operations, while leveraging on enhanced intelligence, modern technology, and stiffer enforcement measures. “We will arrest offenders, seize contraband, and ensure that culprits face the full wrath of the law”, Afeni said.

DC Afeni further appreciates the CGC for his dynamic leadership, unflinching support and consistent encouragement, pointing that his administration has redefined operational effectiveness and motivated a culture of excellence across Commands nationwide.

He appreciates the resilient men and officers of the Command for their gallantry, integrity, and sleepless nights and dedication is saving lives. To the sister security agencies, traditional rulers, youth leaders, and law-abiding citizens, he appreciates them for their continuous partnership; urging them to report suspicious activities along the border corridors, stating that protecting the economy is a collective responsibility.

Afeni also recognized the critical role the media can play especially in the area of sensitization and enlightenment to all our stakeholders and the society at large, which is one of the reasons why he called for this briefing , to partner with the media in order to achieve willful compliance from the public as well as to showcase what the Command is doing, their activities and the successes recorded from 24th June 2026 to date.

He urges journalists to conduct thorough investigations before broadcasting or publishing their reports, ensuring legitimate trade is not confused with illicit activity as erroneously reported in some quoters.

He appealed to all Nigerians to support these fiscal policies and embrace local agricultural products, particularly rice, to ensure self-reliance and potential for export. He also asked that they support our local industries, by consuming locally produced rice, vegetable oil, local wine and pasta, by which in doing so, they are investing in the economy, securing jobs, and ensuring food security.

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment, he said, “In our quest to sustain the tempo of aiding one of the Federal Government Policies on Agricultural Development in the area of boosting local rice production, the fight against smuggling activities has continued and will continue to receive a sustained momentum that will lead to more seizures and enforcement of Federal Government policies towards curtailing smuggling activities”.

“In line with the Federal Government’s policy on agricultural development specifically to boost local rice production, our command has intensified efforts to make our territories hostile to rice smugglers and contraband traders”.

He warned syndicates and smugglers who think they can use Ogun I command as a transit route for poison, to hear clearly,that they are adapting faster than them, and If they do not trade legitimately, the Command will continue to seize your goods, impound your vehicles, and send them to prison.