The Ondo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has foiled an attempt to smuggle illicit drugs into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Akure, after officers discovered about four grams of Indian hemp hidden inside fresh tomatoes during a routine gate search.

In a statement released on Wednesday, signed by Chief Superintendent of Corrections Command Public Relations Officer, Oyewole Akinwumi, the Command said the substance had been “carefully wrapped in water-tight nylon with the intention of delivering it to an inmate in custody.”

The suspects were immediately apprehended and handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution, in line with the directive of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche.

“In line with the directive of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, on watertight security and custodial Centre safeguarding, the suspects were immediately apprehended and handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.”

The Controller of Corrections, Ondo State Command, CC Oyewole Charles (JP), commended the officers on duty for their professionalism and vigilance.

He said, “We remain unwavering in our commitment to maintaining secure and humane custodial facilities, while ensuring that all forms of trafficking in illicit substances are decisively stamped out of the correctional system nationwide.”

The Command also issued a stern warning to the public, particularly visitors to custodial centres, that the Nigerian Correctional Service will not tolerate any action capable of compromising the security and safety of its facilities, whether from within or outside the custodial walls.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported a similar incident in Kano, where the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano State Command, arrested two suspects—Usman Khalid, 25, and Bello Musa Ahmed, 24—attempting to smuggle illicit drugs, including Indian hemp, to inmates at the Nomansland court complex. (The PUNCH)

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