A Cannabis Sativa laden boat has been intercepted by the Customs Operatives attached to the Ogun II Area Command.
The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi confirmed the development while underscoring the severe ramifications of unlawful imports, specifically focusing on drugs, on the younger generation.
He accentuated its role as a substantial menace to public well-being, security, societal advancement, and economic prosperity.
At an event displaying the latest confiscations of suspected Cannabis Sativa at the Ogun II Area Command on August 7th, 2023, the Acting CGC commended the unwavering dedication of customs officers in thwarting the smuggling of cannabis sativa within Zone A.
“We are pleased to announce the recent achievements and unwavering dedication of our officers in combating the smuggling of cannabis sativa within Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service,” said Adeniyi.
The seizures’ particulars encompass the halting of 14,015 packages of Cannabis Sativa by agents of FOU Zone A. The combined mass of the confiscated narcotics tallied up to 7,728 kilograms, equating to a Duty Paid Value of NGN 618,240,000.
These items were reclaimed from a watercraft in the waterways near the areas of Ajah and Ijebu-ode. Three individuals implicated in the contraband operation were transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for extended scrutiny.
The Acting CGC also conveyed that collaborative patrol units and border enforcement operatives from sector 2 accomplished comparable confiscations.
“On August 3rd, 2023, at approximately 0400hrs, a joint patrol team comprising of officers from the Western Marine Command intercepted a wooden boat containing two Yamaha outboard engines (40 Horsepower) and 103 sacks of what appeared to be Cannabis Sativa.
The substance’s overall mass measured 3,811 kilograms, and it held a Duty Paid Value equivalent to NGN 32,193,000.
He also revealed a separate confiscation incident that took place at 0315hrs on August 7th, 2023. Valuable intelligence led to the uncovering of 2,940 packages of Cannabis Sativa.
These parcels had been discreetly stashed amidst a shipment of pineapple fruits, concealed within an unregistered white Fiat bus on Sokoto/Ijoun Road, located in the Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The apprehended haul included the truck loaded with cannabis sativa, along with the detention of the two suspects associated with the situation.
In regards to the arrests conducted in relation to these seizures, Adeniyi stated.
“Two suspects, Mr. Akeem Olatunde – a driver, and Mr. Abdul Nurudeen Adedeji – a passenger, have been apprehended and are currently in custody pending further investigation.”
He provided reassurance to the population that the service remains unwavering in fulfilling its legal obligations.
“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.