By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service has restated its determination to curb illicit trade in the country.
Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who stated this noted that the harmful effects of illicit importation on the youths, such as drugs, cannot be overemphasised as it poses a significant challenge to public health and safety, as well as social and economic development.
While displaying some of the items suspected to be Cannabis Sativa at Ogun II Area Command on Monday, the Acting CGC emphasised the recent efforts and unwavering commitment of officers in intercepting cannabis sativa within Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service.
He said, “Today, we are pleased to announce the recent efforts and unwavering the commitment of our officers in intercepting cannabis sativa within the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone ‘A’.
The seized items include, 14,015 parcels of Cannabis Sativa by officers of FOU Zone A, weighting 7,728 Kg, translating to a Duty Paid Value of NGN 618,240,000 discharged from a boat at the creeks around Ajah and Ijebu-ode area.
A total of 3 suspects and the items were handed over to NDLEA on 2 August 2023 and are currently undergoing investigations.
The Acting CGC also revealed that officers of a joint patrol team and sector 2 border drill operatives made similar seizures.
“On Thursday, 3 August 2023, at about 0400hrs, a joint patrol team comprising of
officers of Western Marine Command 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, weighing 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 2,940 parcels of Cannabis Sativa around Sokoto/ijoun road, Yewa North Local government Area of Ogun State. The Items were ingeniously concealed with a heap of pineapple fruits loaded in an unregistered white Fiat bus with chassis number 2FA23000006141966”, he noted.
He disclosed that two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.
“2 Suspects one, Mr. Akeem Olatunde – a driver and Mr. Abdul Nurudeen Adedeji – A passenger, have been arrested and taken into custody pending further investigation”, he stated.
He reassured the citizenry that the service remains steadfast in delivering on its statutory mandate.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains steadfast in delivering on its statutory mandates and protecting our beloved nation from the scourge of illicit drugs.
“We assure the public that details of our investigations will be made available to ensure transparency and accountability”, he concluded.
