Taiwo Ogunniyi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Kwara State has seized a significant consignment of Cannabis Sativa valued at N57.6 million.

The operation, which took place along the Yamboa axis of Bukuro in Baruten Local Government Area on July 3, 2024, was based on credible intelligence.

Comptroller Faith Ojeifo, the Customs Area Controller, revealed this during a press conference in Ilorin.

He stated that the cannabis was found in a DAF truck with registration number T-25750-LA, which the driver abandoned after customs officers detected the hidden contraband.

Upon inspection, 1,153 parcels of Cannabis Sativa were discovered, concealed within fabricated compartments in the truck.

The truck, valued at N21.5 million, will be forfeited to the Federal Government under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

Additionally, the Kwara Command intercepted 2,750 liters of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) worth N550,000, which smugglers attempted to take out of the country despite the ongoing fuel scarcity in Nigeria.

Ojeifo commended her officers for their dedication and professionalism in curbing smuggling activities in the region.

He emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in securing Nigeria’s borders and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling and other criminal activities.

The Kwara Command reported generating over N3.37 billion in revenue between June and July 2024, bringing the total revenue collected from January to July 2024 to N13.4 billion.

The seized cannabis has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.

The NDLEA Kwara Commander, Hajiya Fatima Popoola, praised the Customs Service for their effective intervention, noting that the cannabis would have had devastating effects on society if not intercepted.

She assured that the
NDLEA would work closely with the Customs Service to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.