FOU, Western Marine, Border Drill intercept 37,450 parcels of Indian Hemp in few days
... Arrest 5 suspects
The officers of Western Marine Command, the Federal Operations Unit and the Sector 2 Border Drill operatives of Nigeria
Customs Service (NCS) have within five weeks intercepted 37,450 parcels of Cannabis Sativa popularly called Indian Hemp.
Disclosing this in Abeokuta, Ogun State while addressing the media as part of his official visit to Ogun 2 Customs Command, the Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi stated that 5 suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.
The CG stressed the Customs commitment in curbing illicit trade in the harmful drugs.
"We are here to shed light
on the unwavering commitment of the NCS in intercepting these illicit
substances.
"Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp, is a
psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. It is known for its mind
altering effects and is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance due to its
potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. The abuse of cannabis Sativa
has far-reaching consequences on society, particularly on the youth. Its usage can
lead to impaired cognitive function, addiction, and negative impacts on mental
health and general wellbeing," the Customs boss noted.
He decried in recent times, ther alarming increase in the abuse of
cannabis Sativa within the Nigerian society, adding that the harmful effects of this substance
on the youth cannot be overstated.
According to the CGC, it poses a significant challenge to public health
and safety, as well as social and economic development.
Adeniyi said the Nigeria Customs
Service recognizes the gravity of this situation and is determined to work
with its partners to address these concerning trends, through robust measures to
combat its proliferation and trade in Nigeria.
He pointed out that perpetuators of this nefarious act use ingenious means to force the
proliferation of trade in Cannabis Sativa in Nigeria through various illicit means,
including the use of creeks, concealment through land borders, and even
smuggling via air routes. His words: "The creative concealment techniques employed by
traffickers present a significant challenge in the fight against this menace.
"As the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), we recognize our critical role in
protecting society from the entry of harmful substances. We are deeply committed
to fulfilling our social contract with Nigerians, ensuring their safety and
wellbeing by intercepting illicit drugs and other harmful substances."
Giving s breakdown of the seizure of Cannabis Sativa, the CGC stated that
officersof FOU Zone A made seizures of 14,015 parcels of
Cannabis Sativa, weighting 7,728 Kg with, translating to a Duty Paid Value
of NGN 618,240,000 discharged from a boat at the creeks around Ajah and
Ijebu-ode area.
He disclosed that a total of 3 suspects and the items, were handed over to
NDLEA on 2 August 2023 and are currently undergoing investigations.
He further said that on Thursday 3 August 2023, at about 0400hrs, a joint patrol team of
officers intercepted a wooden boat with 2 Yamaha outboard engines (40
Horsepower) each containing 103 sacks containing 8,240 loaves of
substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, weighting 3,811KG at a DPV of NGN 32,193,000.
Further more, the Customs boss stated that on Monday 7 August 2023 at about 0315hrs credible intelligence
led to the seizure of 2,940 parcels of Cannabis Sativa around
Sokoto/Ijoun road, Yewa North Local government Area of Ogun State.
He revealed that the
Items were ingeniously concealed with heap of pineapple fruits loaded in
an unregistered white fiat bus with chassis number 2FA23000006141966.
He added that 2 suspects, One Mr. Akeem Olatunde –a driver and Mr. Abdul Nurudeen
Adedeji –Passenger have been arrested and taken into custody pending
further investigation.
He concluded with the reassurance to the citizenry, that the Service remains steadfast in delivering on its statutory mandates and in
protecting the beloved nation from the scourge of illicit drugs.
He also assured the
public that details of investigations will be made available to ensure
transparency and accountability.
He urged Nigerians to join hands with the Service in safeguarding the future of Nigeria.
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