Customs Intercepts N10m Indian Hemp On Sallah Day

The Seme command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Friday, intercepted 553 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian Hemp, bound for Kaduna state on Sallah day.

In a press statement by the command’s Public Relations officer, Hussein Abdullahi, two security agents and civilians were arrested in connection to the contraband.

According to him, the seizure was made around 4am while the officers of the command were on routine patrol along Abidjan-Lagos corridor.

He stated further that the contraband was intercepted in a Ford Bus with registration number EPE 622 YC at Gbatrome, Badagry.

He said, “The narcotics was valued at N10 million and the means of conveyance were taken to the station at Seme and detained pending further investigations. Also taken to the station are the four male suspects who have volunteered statements.

“However, the two members of one of the sister security agencies were handed over to their agency for further necessary action. A preliminary investigation following the questioning of the suspects revealed that the Indian hemp was destined for Kaduna State.”

“The Area Controller of the Command Comptroller Dera Nnadi, has condemned this nefarious means of earning a living by some members of the society who have no consideration for the damaging effects of hard drugs which contribute to crime in the country. He enjoined members of the society who traverse the Seme Corridor to take advantage of the trade facilitation effort of the Nigeria Customs Service and engage in a legitimate business.

“The Customs Area Controller Seme Command and Chairman of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, wishes all stakeholders and officers and men of Nigeria Customs Service and sister border agencies along the corridor to remain vigilant during the Sallah celebration as smugglers may wish to take advantage the public holidays to engage in their reprehensible acts. He also directed them to ensure that all facilities and critical government infrastructures in their Area of responsibility are protected during this period as always.”