By James Ogunnaike

The Ogun Area 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko, on Thursday, handed 3,365 parcels, 75 sacks of Cannabis Sativa, alongside 88 cartons of codeine syrup, intercepted by its operatives to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The illicit drugs were part of the seizures made by the operatives within the past two weeks after the stakeholders’ meeting and collaboration where the Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu declared the command’s readiness to eradicate illegal trading in dangerous drugs and other contraband within its operational areas.

Shuaibu, while handing over the illicit drugs to head of the NDLEA, Deputy Commander of Narcotics Alexander Nyigide, who led a team of 6-man Narcotics agents to represent Commander Tijani Rabe “for proper disposal and further investigation”, said the action reflected the ongoing efforts of the Command at curbing “the distribution of illegal narcotics within the country, which posed significant threats to the health and safety of our citizens”.

“These actions send a clear and unequivocal message to those who engage in illegal activities that the operatives of Ogun 1 Command will continue to carry out their statutory responsibilities with dedication, ensuring that such illegal enterprises do not thrive in our area of responsibility”.

Shuaibu disclosed that other intercepted contrabands, which Duty Payable Value (DPV) amounted to over N279. 5 million included 2, 145 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each.

Other prohibited items among the seizure are 612 bales of second-hand clothing; 843 units of pneumatic used tyres, as well as 6,625 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly known as petroleum being smuggled out of the country.

Shuaibu further disclosed that the Command was able to generate a total of N9.694 million as revenue realised from baggage assessment, as well as auction sales of the earlier intercepted PMS “because of the highly inflamable nature of the item”.

“We will remain relentless in our fight against smugglers. Every tactic employed by criminals to circumvent security checks will be futile, as our intelligence network, systematic monitoring, and operational mechanisms are robust and effective in identifying and tracking these economic saboteurs and their sponsors”.

“I take this opportunity to call on the public to continue supporting the Command in its fight against smuggling. It is only through collective effort that we can safeguard our country and realize the vision of our founding fathers”.

“Our primary focus will always remain on ensuring that our borders are secure and that national interests are protected. This also includes ensuring compliance with international trade agreements and safeguarding our national security.”

Vanguard News