The Nigeria Customs Service Area l command has handed over 3,365 parcels and 75 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 3103.3kg as well as 88 cartons of codeine syrup to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ogun state.
The custom through the Area l command Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu in a press conference held in Abeokuta on Thursday revealed that the contrabands goods which was seized between January and February 2025 worth #279.5million.
Shuiabu, while speaking, listed the seized smuggled goods to include 2,145 bags of foreign rice, equivalent of four trailer loads, 612 bales of second hand clothing and 843 units of used tyres.
Other items are 6,625 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 1,057 parcels of cannabis sativa in coconut sizes, 159 parcels of cannabis sativa in bread sizes, 2,074 parcels cannabis sativa in book sizes and 75 sacks of cannabis sativa.
The controller noted that according to the NCS Act, 2024, specifically Sections 6, 212, 226, 233 and 245, its officers are provided significant power, including the authority to patrol freely, seize smuggled goods and illegal goods, and enter premises.
He said that the command also generated a total of N9,694,072 as revenue from baggage assessment and auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit.
“The achievements of this milestone were made possible through implemented strategies that have resulted in numerous successful seizures.
“In addition, this contribution to national revenue is an important aspect of our duty to support the financial objectives of the federal government,” the controller said.
Shuaibu restated the command’s relentless commitment to fighting smugglers, adding that his officers were resolved to foil every tactic employed by criminals to circumvent security checks.
He said that their intelligence network, systematic monitoring and operational mechanisms were robust and effective in identifying and tracking these economic saboteurs.
The controller urged the public to cooperate and support the NCS in the fight against the activities of smugglers in the state.
He commended the Comptroller-General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their support to the command in achieving its set targets.
Shuaibu praised the traditional rulers of host communities in Ogun state and sister security agencies for their cooperation and support in combating smuggling. He emphasized that their joint efforts are crucial in maintaining national security and integrity.
This acknowledgment highlights the importance of collaboration between different stakeholders in achieving common goals, particularly in the fight against smuggling and related crimes.
Receiving the exhibits, the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Ogun State Command of the NDLEA, Alex Chinonye, appreciated the NCS operatives for the achievement and continuous synergy between the agencies.
He, however, assured that the drug agency will obtain a court order to proceed to destroy the Illicit items publicly.
(The News Nigeria)
