Two Visitors Caught Smuggling Illicit Drugs Into Nigerian Prison

The Ondo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) said it has foiled an attempt by two visitors to smuggle illicit drugs into the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Akure, the state capital. The incident occurred during a routine security search at the gate lodge of the facility, where officers discovered about four grams of suspected Indian hemp concealed inside fresh tomatoes. The substance, according to NCoS in a statement issued on Wednesday, was wrapped in water-tight nylon and allegedly meant to be delivered to an inmate in custody. Following the discovery, the suspects were immediately arrested in line with the directive of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, on watertight security and the safeguarding of custodial centres. The NCoS said the suspects were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution. The Controller of Corrections, Ondo State Command, Oyewole Charles, commended the officers involved for their vigilance, professionalism, and prompt response. He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to maintaining secure and humane custodial facilities, while ensuring that all forms of illicit drug trafficking are completely eliminated from the correctional system. The Command also issued a warning to members of the public, particularly visitors to custodial centres, stressing that the Nigerian Correctional Service will not tolerate any act capable of compromising the security and safety of its facilities, whether from within or outside the custodial walls.