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By correspondent in Ilorin.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Kwara State has confiscated a major consignment of Cannabis Sativa valued at N57.6 million.
The seizure occurred along the Yamboa axis of Bukuro in Baruten Local Government Area, following credible intelligence.
The Comptroller Faith Ojeifo, the Customs Area Controller, disclosed this at a press conference in Ilorin, adding that the seizure occured July 2024.
The cannabis was discovered in a DAF truck with registration number T-25750-LA, which was abandoned by the driver upon detection of the illegal cargo,she said.
According to her 1,153 parcels of Cannabis Sativa were found hidden in specially fabricated compartments within the truck.
“The truck itself, valued at N21.5 million, will be forfeited to the Federal Government under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023,” she assured.
Comptroller Ojeifo also journalists that the Kwara Command intercepted 2,750 liters of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) worth N550,000, which smugglers attempted to export despite Nigeria’s ongoing fuel scarcity.
Ojeifo praised her officers for their diligence and professionalism in combating smuggling activities.
She underscored the significance of inter-agency cooperation in securing Nigeria’s borders and reiterated the command’s commitment to intensifying its fight against smuggling and other criminal activities.
“From June to July 2024, the Kwara Command generated over N3.37 billion in revenue, raising 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 processing.
Received the seized cannabis,NDLEA Commander in kwara state, Hajiya Fatima Popoola, lauded the Customs Service for their effective intervention,and expressed concern over the potential societal harm the cannabis could have caused if not intercepted.
She assured that the NDLEA would collaborate, closely, with the Customs Service to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
