Operatives of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command of Nigeria Customs Service has uncovered 140 parcels of cannabis indica smuggled into Nigeria from Canada with a street value of N256,250,000
Disclosing this to newsmen in Lagos, Comptroller Joy Edelduok, Customs Area Controller of the command said the prohibited drugs were concealed in a container laden with four vehicles while the drugs were concealed in two of the vehicles.
Edelduok who handed over the drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA)said three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure
According to her, the drugs weighing 52.25kg and packed in 140 parcels were discovered on September 11during a joint examination session following credible intelligence.
She said one suspected was initially arrested and while in customs detention he gave lead to the arrest of two other suspects, one of whose name was found in the documents used for the importation of the consignment.
The Area Controller read the riot act against perpetrators illicit trade vowing to make KLTC Command a no go area for smuggling of what she described as uncustoms goods. She said the command on her watch will continually facilitate legitimate trade at all times.
Edelduok told journalists that the seizure was made “In line with our CGC’s thrust of collaboration, consolidation and innovation, on Wednesday, 11th of September, 2024, our vigilance officers in conjunction with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency intercepted a consignment of cannabis sativa weighing 51.25Kg valued at N256,250,000 street price.
“This violates the provision of the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023, subsection 55, 1c and 1f.This interception is a testament of our continued dedication and commitment to safeguarding our borders from the importation of illicit and harmful substances.The negative impact of drugs such as cannabis sativa on individuals, families and the society at large ranges from destruction of lives, increase in crime, fueling violence and crises as well as other societal vices .
“By keeping these dangerous substances out of our communities, we are preventing untold harm and helping secure a safer future for our citizens, particularly our youths who are more vulnerable to the alloy of these harmful substances.
“Today, we hand over this consignment along with the suspects involved to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.The full wrath of the law will be brought to bear on those individuals who remain resolute that anyone caught attempting to smuggle contrabands or banned substances into Nigeria will face the same fate.
“I will like to take this opportunity to send a strong and clear warning to all unscrupulous importers who may be contemplating testing the resolve of the Nigerian Custom Service.Let it be known that we are unwavering in our duty to protect the integrity of our borders and we will not hesitate to bring those involved in illegal importation to justice.The Nigerian Customs Service in collaboration with other agencies will continue to intensify our efforts to rid the country of dangerous contraband items
“To the law abiding citizens and legitimate traders, we remain committed to ensuring that the facilitation of legitimate trade is unhindered.To those seeking to engage in illegal activities, our message is simple and clear.There is no room for criminality in Nigerian Customs Service and anyone who dares to breach the law of the country will be caught and confiscated to the full wrath of the law. I want to use this opportunity to thank the CGC of Customs , Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for their steadfast support and guidance and to assure them that the officers and men of this terminal are on ground.We have made our resolve , we are unwavering and we are going to comply fully with the mandate of the CGC” she said
Finitia Bassey A Deputy Commander of Narcotics who received the drugs and suspects for the NDLEA commended the partnership between his organisation and the Nigeria Customs. Bassey assured of diligent investigation and prosecution of the suspects in line with the law
