How we seized N1bn worth of drugs in one month–Customs CG
Emeka Okoroanyanwu
The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has disclosed that over N1 billion Indian hemp ( cannabis sativa) have been seized by the Western zone of the Nigeria Customs Service at different intervals in the last one month.
In a briefing yesterday at Abeokuta, Ogun State, Adeniyi, attributed the seizures to the pains taking efforts and unwavering commitment of his officers in the Federal Operations Unit of the Service.
Acknowledging the efforts of the officers, Adeniyi disclosed that officers of FOU Zone A made seizures of 14,015 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, weighting 7,728 Kg with, translating to a Duty Paid Value of NGN 618,240,000 discharged from a boat at the creeks around Ajah and Ijebu-ode area.
Three suspects and the items, he said, were handed over to NDLEA on August 2, 2023 and are currently undergoing investigations.
Also on Thursday August 3, 2023, the CG said, at about 0400hrs, a joint patrol team of officers intercepted a wooden boat with 2 Yamaha outboard engines (40 Horsepower) each containing 103 sacks containing 8,240 loaves of substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, weighting 3,811KG at a DPV of NGN 32,193,000.
On Monday 7 August 2023 at about 0315hrs credible intelligence led to the seizure of of 2,940 parcels of Cannabis Sativa around Sokoto/ijoun road, Yewa North Local government Area of Ogun State.
The items, he disclosed, were ingeniously concealed with heap of pineapple fruits loaded in an unregistered white fiat bus.
Two suspects, one Akeem Olatunde , a driver and Abdul Nurudeen Adedeji, passenger were arrested and taken into custody pending further investigation.
The CG said in recent times, there has been an alarming increase in the abuse of cannabis Sativa within the Nigerian society, saying the harmful effects of the substance on the youth cannot be overstated.
He noted that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recognizes the gravity of the situation and is determined to work with their partners to address the concerning trends, through robust measures to combat proliferation and trade in Nigeria.
He said that the perpetuators of the nefarious act use ingenious means to force the proliferation of trade in Cannabis Sativa in Nigeria through various illicit means, including the use of creeks, concealment through land borders, and even smuggling via air routes.
The creative concealment techniques employed by traffickers, the CG lamented, present a significant challenge in the fight against drug menace.
“As the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), we recognize our critical role in protecting society from the entry of harmful substances. We are deeply committed to fulfilling our social contract with Nigerians, ensuring their safety and wellbeing by intercepting illicit drugs and other harmful substances,” the CG noted
Reassuring that the Nigeria Customs Service remains steadfast in delivering on its statutory mandates and protecting the nation from the scourge of illicit drugs., Adewale assured the public that details of Customs investigations would be made available to ensure transparency and accountability.
