The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “C” of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 399.5kg wraps of Indian Hemp (cannabis sativa)estimated at about N9 million.
Giving an insight into how the hard drugs were intercepted, the Customs Area Controller; Victor Dimka, said that they were impounded around the 9th mile axis in Enugu state. He added that the drugs were properly concealed in a luxury Bus along with other passenger luggage to beat the eagle eyes of the customs men on duty.
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “C” of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 399.5kg wraps of Indian Hemp (cannabis sativa)estimated at about N9 million.
Giving an insight into how the hard drugs were intercepted, the Customs Area Controller; Victor Dimka, said that they were impounded around the 9th mile axis in Enugu state. He added that the drugs were properly concealed in a luxury Bus along with other passenger luggage to beat the eagle eyes of the customs men on duty.
“However, acting on information made available to us, our men took strategic positions, intercepted the bus and eventually recovered the cannabis sativa alongside other contraband goods such as foreign rubber slippers, used motorcycle and used computers”, he stated.
Showcasing the drugs which were later handed over to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation, Dimka warned that the entire Zone “C” of the Nigeria Customs Service has become a “no go area” for smugglers, their agents and collaborators, stressing that officers and men of the Service, are now better trained, motivated and equipped with the state of the art gadgets to deal with die hard smugglers wherever they may be.
“Despite efforts to reduce smuggling, smugglers have refused to listen to the voice of reason and it is quite unfortunate and disheartening that the deviants have continued in their nefarious trade”, he lamented.
He said that the driver of the luxury bus, who is the prime suspect would be investigated and if found guilty would be tried in accordance with the provisions of the law, assuring that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to strengthen her existing synergy with other sister agencies in the war against smuggling.
Receiving the seizures on behalf of the Chairman/ CEO of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, the Commander, NDLEA Enugu State Command; Barr. Anthony Nkem Ohanyere reiterated the determination of the agency to win the war against illicit trade, stressing that the drug war is not the exclusive responsibility of the NDLEA alone, but that of all levels of government and well meaning Nigerians.
He regretted that the continued consumption of hard drugs by some disgruntled individuals has led to the upsurge of all manner of criminality in the society with many youths ruined in the pursuit of their lofty careers.
Ohanyere expressed delight at the inter agency relationship between the NCS and the NDLEA and gave an assurance that his agency would carry out a detailed investigation on the items seized to serve as a deterrent to others still engaged in drug trafficking.
Discussion about this post