NCoS foils drug smuggling attempt at Akure prison

The Ondo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has intercepted an attempt to smuggle illicit drugs into the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Akure.

The discovery was made during a routine gate search, where officers uncovered about four grams of Indian hemp concealed inside fresh tomatoes. The substance, according to the Command, had been carefully wrapped in water-tight nylon and was intended for delivery to an inmate.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Oyewole Akinwumi, said the suspects involved were immediately arrested and handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

He noted that the action was in line with the directive of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, who has emphasised strict security measures and the protection of custodial centres nationwide.

Commending the officers on duty, the Controller of Corrections, Ondo State Command, CC Oyewole Charles (JP), praised their professionalism and vigilance, stressing the Service’s commitment to maintaining secure and humane correctional facilities.

He added that the NCoS would continue to decisively eliminate all forms of drug trafficking within the correctional system.

The Command also warned members of the public, especially visitors to custodial centres, against any acts capable of compromising the safety and security of correctional facilities, assuring that such actions would be met with strict consequences.

The incident comes shortly after a similar case in Kano, where the Nigerian Correctional Service arrested two suspects for attempting to smuggle illicit drugs, including Indian hemp, to inmates at the Nomansland court complex.