The Ondo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle drugs into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Akure.
During a routine gate search, officers discovered about four grams of Indian hemp concealed inside fresh tomatoes.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Oyewole Akinwumi, the drugs were carefully wrapped in water-tight nylon, apparently intended for an inmate in custody.
The suspects involved were immediately arrested and handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution, following directives from the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche.
The Ondo State Controller of Corrections, CC Oyewole Charles (JP), praised the officers for their vigilance and professionalism.
He emphasized the Command’s commitment to maintaining secure and humane custodial facilities, vowing to stamp out all forms of illicit substance trafficking within the correctional system nationwide.
The Command also issued a strong warning to the public and visitors of custodial centres that any attempts to compromise the security of these facilities will not be tolerated.
This incident echoes a similar case reported earlier in Kano, where two suspects were arrested for attempting to smuggle drugs to inmates at the Nomansland court complex.
The Nigerian Correctional Service continues to strengthen its efforts to secure custodial centres across the country against drug-related crimes.