… Seizures made in Collaboration with NDLEA
ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) on Wednesday announced that it intercepted 51.25kg Cannabis Indica valued at two hundred and fifty six million, two hundred and fifty thousand naira (N256,250,000.00) in Lagos.
The seizure was made in collaboration with Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In a statement made available by the Command’s Spokesman, Superintendent of Customs (SC) Tunde Ayagbalo for Customs Area Controller Joy Egbosa Edeldouk, the interception is in line with the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi’s policy thrust of collaboration, consolidation and innovation.
Comptroller Edeldouk noted in the statement that the seizure which violated NCS Act 2023 of section 55 sub-section 1c and 1f, is a testament to the Command’s continued dedication and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria borders from importation of illicit and harmful substances.
To her, the negative impact of drugs such as cannabis indica on individuals, families and society at large ranges from destruction of lives, increase in crime, fueling violence and crisis as well as other societal vices among others.
“By keeping these dangerous substances out of our communities, we are preventing untold harm and helping secure a safer future for our citizens, particularly our youth who are most vulnerable to the temptation of these harmful substances.
Today, we hand over this consignment, along with the suspects involved, to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution,” she stated.
Speaking further, the Area Controller read riot act on economic saboteurs who are bent on destroying the economy with their illicit act, saying they will be made to face the full wrath of the law if caught, as no stone will be left untouched and “We will not give them breathing space at all,” She said.
“I would like to use this medium to send a strong and clear warning to all unscrupulous importers who may be contemplating testing the resolve of the Nigerian Customs Service. Let it be known that we are unwavering in our duty to protect the integrity of our borders and will not hesitate to bring those involved in illegal importation to justice.
“The Nigeria Customs Service in collaboration with other agencies, will continue to intensify its efforts to rid the country of dangerous contraband.
“To the law-abiding citizens and legitimate traders, we remain committed to ensuring that the facilitation of legitimate trade is unhindered, but for those seeking to engage in illegal activities, our message is simple: there is no room for criminality in Nigeria Custom Service, and anyone who dare to breach the law of the country will be caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
“I also want to thank CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his management team for their steadfast support and guidance, and to assure them that officers and men of the command will continue to comply fully with the mandate of the service,” She concluded.
