The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said yesterday that it intercepted 1,300 parcels of substance suspected to be cannabis (popularly called Indian hemp) in Ogun State.
Two suspects, Itobor Egede and Munirudeen Ikumapayi were also handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos Command in connection with the substance for further investigation and prosecution.
In a statement sent to journalists yesterday, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the customs anti-smuggling unit in Ikeja, Compt. Haruna Mahmod was quoted as saying that the contraband was intercepted by his officers along Sagamu-Ijebuode expressway.
Compt. Haruna who was represented at the handing over by the acting Deputy Comptroller, Administration, Adamu Abubarkar said the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the substance is about N62.4million.
He stated that the suspected substances were heading to Cross River State before they were intercepted by officers of the command.
He said, "the seizures was made through intelligence of our officers and stop and search on the Sagamu-Ijebuode axis of Ogun State."
However, the representative of the NDLEA, Lawal Opeloyeru said the substance would be subjected to forensic examination after which the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution.
He stated this after the suspects and substance were handed over to the officers of the agency.
The Principal Staff Officer however extolled the Customs officers saying they showed high level of tolerance amidst temptation from the suspects.
"Most crimes are committed under the influence of drugs, but we will continue to be on the look out to ensure that Nigeria is free for all of us to live in”
"Also, we at NDLEA will advise others who are in this illicit trade to have a rethink before the full wrath of law will catch up with them", Opeloyeru said.
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