By Saka Laaro Ilorin.
The Kwara Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a significant breakthrough in its fight against smuggling activities, with the interception of a large consignment of Cannabis Sativa worth N57.6 million.
The seizure was made by operatives along the Yamboa axis of Bukuro in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State on July 3, 2024.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Faith Matthew Ojeifo, disclosed this at a press conference in Ilorin on Wednesday, noting that the operation was based on credible intelligence and meticulous enforcement.
The contraband was discovered in a DAF truck with registration number T-25750-LA, which was abandoned by the driver upon realizing that officers had detected the concealed illegal cargo.
“The truck, upon inspection, was found to contain 1,153 parcels of Cannabis Sativa hidden in fabricated compartments.
The vehicle, valued at N21.5 million, will be forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023,” Ojeifo stated.
In addition to the drug seizure, the Kwara Command also intercepted 2,750 liters of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N550,000. Despite the ongoing scarcity of PMS in the country, some unpatriotic Nigerians attempted to smuggle the product out of the country. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all seized items during the period under review amounted to N42.7 million.
Ojeifo commended the dedication and professionalism of her officers, who have continued to thwart smuggling attempts in the region.
He also emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration in combating smuggling and safeguarding the nation.
In line with this, the seized cannabis was officially handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action. Ojeifo praised the NDLEA for its role in protecting the nation from the menace of dangerous drugs and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to work closely with other agencies to enhance border security.
The Kwara Command also reported generating over N3.37 billion in revenue between June and July 2024, bringing the total revenue generated from January to July 2024 to N13.4 billion.
Ojeifo concluded by reiterating the command’s determination to intensify efforts against smuggling and other criminal activities across Nigeria’s borders.