The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, has made a significant seizure of 6,488 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N519,040,000.
The contraband, along with four suspects, has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). This handover event took place at the NCS headquarters in Lagos, underscoring the crucial role of inter-agency cooperation in the fight against the illegal drug trade.
Comptroller Kola Oladeji, the head of the Federal Operations Unit, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, emphasizing the detrimental impact of drugs like cannabis on both individuals and society as a whole.
He stressed the urgent need for agencies to work together to curb the supply of illicit substances and protect the nation’s future.
Oladeji expressed deep concern about the dangers of Cannabis Sativa, stating, “Cannabis Sativa poses a grave danger to our communities. These substances do not only have detrimental effects on the individual’s health and well-being but also contribute to social problems like crime and violence.”
His statement reflects the broader implications of drug abuse, including its role in escalating criminal activities and undermining public safety.
Furthermore, Oladeji directed a stern warning to the youth involved in drug trafficking, highlighting the significant risks they pose to themselves and society.
“The youths and traders who are involved in the distribution and sale of illicit drugs like cannabis sativa are not only putting their lives at risk but also jeopardizing the safety and security of our society as a whole,” he said.
He called on all citizens to unite in the battle against illegal drugs, advocating for a drug-free environment that would benefit future generations.
The Deputy State Commander of the NDLEA, Adekunle Makinde, who represented the agency during the handover, expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service for its continued efforts in seizing and transferring illegal drugs.
Makinde praised the collaborative efforts between the NDLEA and the NCS in the fight against drug trafficking, which plays a significant role in protecting the public from the harmful effects of illicit substances.
The NCS’s Intensified Efforts Against Smuggling;
The NCS has been ramping up its efforts to combat smuggling while optimizing its revenue collection, making significant strides in both areas.
According to the NCS spokesperson, Mr. Abdullahi Maiwada, the service collected a substantial amount in duties in August 2024. Specifically, the NCS collected N277.5 billion in import duties and N15.8 billion in excise duties during that month alone.
Maiwada also provided insights into the NCS’s ongoing success in intercepting contraband. In August 2024, the NCS recorded 83 seizures across its various commands, including 1,014 parcels of Cannabis Sativa and 23 vehicles.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seizures amounted to a staggering N975,066,791.65. This highlights the scale of the NCS’s operations and its significant role in curbing the flow of illegal goods into the country.
The NCS has also intensified its actions against smuggling with major seizures in recent months. For instance, in July 2024, the NCS Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A intercepted a wide range of smuggled goods valued at over N8 billion.
These items included donkey skins, Tramadol, machetes, foreign rice, cannabis sativa, poultry products, and more. In total, 70 seizures were made during that month, and 14 suspects were arrested in connection with these smuggling activities.
In another notable operation, the NCS made a significant seizure at the Apapa Port, where it intercepted large quantities of Tramadol and expired pharmaceutical products valued at N1.8 billion.
These items were found to lack proper registration from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and had been falsely declared in an attempt to evade duty payments.
This seizure further highlights the NCS’s ongoing efforts to disrupt smuggling activities, which continue to pose a major challenge to national security and public health.
Enhancing Border Security;
As part of its broader strategy to strengthen border security, the Nigeria Customs Service has recently introduced a Radiological and Nuclear Detection system.
This advanced technology aims to enhance the service’s ability to detect and prevent the smuggling of dangerous goods, including radioactive and nuclear materials. The introduction of this system represents a major step forward in securing Nigeria’s borders and ensuring that illicit and dangerous goods are not allowed to enter the country.
In summary, the Nigeria Customs Service’s Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, has made significant progress in its efforts to combat the illegal drug trade and smuggling activities. The recent seizure of 6,488 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa highlights the vital role of inter-agency cooperation in addressing these pressing issues.
With continued vigilance and collaborative efforts between the NCS, NDLEA, and other security agencies, the country is moving closer to its goal of reducing drug trafficking and ensuring a safer, more secure environment for all citizens.
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