Customs, NDLEA Declare State Of Emergency On Illicit Drugs

The Nigeria Customs Service and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have proclaimed a state of emergency on illicit drugs, especially Cannabis Sativa and Tramadol which are considered insidious destroyers, posing severe threats to public health, security, and social harmony.

Both anti-narcotic agencies pledged yesterday at the handover of a large volume of seized contraband substances by Customs to NDLEA at the Abuja Customs Warehouse in Karu.

Many authorities have warned against the consequences of unchecked drug abuse, linking it to increased crime rates, compromised public safety, and hindrance to economic development.

Comptroller-general of Customs Adewale Adeniiyi said substance abuse is a national crisis that demands immediate and collective attention. The alarming extent of the menace is illustrated by the widespread nature of the seizures, spanning across various customs commands nationwide.

NDLEA chairman Buba Marwa said illicit drugs were a major enabler of crimes and criminality in Nigeria. “If we can curb drug abuse and menace, we probably have cut over 40% of our security challenge today,”

In customs zone A command, comprising the whole of South West, 13,567 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, totalling 7,461 Kg were intercepted, while 1,511 parcels and 292 bags of Indian Hemp, 2,409 packets, and 8,700 unregistered sachets of Tramadol, along with 2,042 sealed nylons containing D5 tablets were ceased from zone B command headquartered in Kaduna, and 3,213 Parcels/blocks and 935 sacks of Cannabis Sativa from zone C command which has its office in Port-Harcourt.

From Ogun 1 area command came 2,223 wraps and 144 sacks of Cannabis Sativa weighing 3,312.7 KG, with 1,205 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 624 kg and 109 packs by 6 pieces by 10 sachets of Tramadol intercepted from Western Marine Command.

“The seizures being handed over to the NDLEA today are a testament to the relentless efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service,” the CG said. Adeniyi said the handover of the seized items is for every Nigerian to take a stand against the menace of illicit drugs. “The NCS and NDLEA are here to protect our nation, but we need your partnership, your vigilance, and your commitment. Together, we can build a safer and drug-free Nigeria.”

Adeniyi said the battle against illicit drugs requires a united front with communities playing a pivotal role in the fight. He urged communities to see themselves as key partners in the quest for a drug-free Nigeria.

He said the customs service has formed an unyielding front with NDLEA against drug traffickers and their nefarious activities, adding that the collaboration is a commitment to ongoing cooperation in intelligence sharing, joint operations, and policy alignment.

NDLEA director of operations and general investigation, Samuel Gadzama, who represented Marwa, said “For every crime and criminality we are having in Nigeria today, drugs play a prominent role in it.” He said the collaboration between Customs and NDLEA means a setting of the pace for inter-agency synergy.

He stated that the seized items would be destroyed immediately to ensure they don’t find their way into society. He said the NDLEA would also follow up on any investigation from the taking over of the exhibits to track syndicates. “We will immediately destroy them. We are not going to give room for the possibility of circulation of the exhibits that would be witnessed by the Customs representatives,” he stated.