Customs Hands Over 10,000 Parcels Of Suspected Cannabis To NDLEA In Ogun

The Ogun Area 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday, handed over a total of 10, 126 parcels of weeds suspected to be Cannabis Indica (Ghana Loud) earlier intercepted by its operatives to the officials of the Idiroko Special Area Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Cannabis Indica, commonly known as Indian Hemp, wrapped in different sizes and weighing an equivalent of 4, 627 kg, was part of the contrabands intercepted alongside 1, 759 Bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg and others, which culmulative Duty Paiyable Value (DPV) worth N6, 777, 236, 000 billion.

Speaking during the handover ceremony held at the Centry Section of the Ogun NCS Area 1 Command, Customs’ Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni said contrabands were intercepted in a 41-days 73 seizures through an intelligent driven efforts in continuation of the command’s war against smuggling and keeping the Nigerian society safe.

Afeni gave the breakdown of the other contrabands intercepted to include drugs such as a 77 cartons of Analgin injection, packed in 500mg (without NAFDAC regustration number); 205 packs of footwears; 2, 685 kegs of “Oki” Vegetable Oil, each weighing 25 liters; 14, 550 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) loaded in jerricans, which is an equivalent of ver a tanker load.

Others included 20 cartons of poultry products; 216 cartons of Basmati rice, 20kg each; 66 bales of secondhand clothing; 11 kegs of Diesel (AGO), weighing 25 liters each, 46 Bags of foreign Sugar, 25kg each; 16 cartons of Organic honey; 50 cartons of expired Maggi star; 858 Packs of Macaroni, and 6 lives Pangolins among others.

“This isn’t just a seizure; it’s a preventive measure. Without this intervention, our society would face a wave of drug-related crises that our already overstretched healthcare and rehab systems. its availability would have spiked drug-related health issues and overwhelmed our strained psychiatric and rehabilitation facilities.

“Cannabis Sativa/Indica, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp is a psychoactive drug that is derived from the cannabis plant. It has a devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially our youths. The rise in its abuses gives a great concern within the Nigerian society and a threat to our national security, due to its potential influence on criminal activities, such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping terrorism and other vices.

“Rice is a staple food eaten in many homes in the country. It’s importation through the land borders was prohibited by the Federal Government of Nigerian (FGN) to encourage local production and be self-sufficient, as Nigeria is blessed with vast and fertile lands.

“It is of essence to state that the aforementioned items were intercepted at different locations within Ogun State, with the aid of intensive intelligence strategies and concerted efforts of our intelligence,” he said.

The Controller however, reiterated the determination of his command towards ensuring safety and well-being of the Nigeriansoci.

“We remain resolute in carrying out our mandate in Ogun I Command with utmost patriotism. Your support and cooperation with mutual understanding will assist in facilitating our economic growth and social wellbeing,” he added.

Afeni however, handed over the seized Cannabis Sativa to the Director of Narcotics, Idiroko Special Area Command of the NDLEA, Ekundayo Williams for further action in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation.