By Taiwo Niyi KWARA
The Kwara Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a significant success in its ongoing battle against smuggling, with the interception of a large consignment of Cannabis Sativa valued at N57.6 million.
The seizure was made on July 3, 2024, by operatives along the Yamboa axis of Bukuro in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Speaking at a press conference in Ilorin on Wednesday, Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Faith Matthew Ojeifo, shared details of the operation, highlighting that it was the result of credible intelligence and meticulous enforcement efforts.
The contraband was found concealed in a DAF truck with registration number T-25750-LA, which had been abandoned by its driver after realising that the officers had discovered the hidden cargo.
“Upon inspection, the truck was found to contain 1,153 parcels of Cannabis Sativa hidden in fabricated compartments. The vehicle, valued at N21.5 million, will be forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023,” Ojeifo stated.
In addition to the drug seizure, the Kwara Command also intercepted 2,750 litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at N550,000.
Despite the ongoing fuel scarcity in the country, some unpatriotic individuals attempted to smuggle the product out of Nigeria. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all items seized during the period under review amounted to N42.7 million.
Comptroller Ojeifo praised the dedication and professionalism of her officers, who have consistently thwarted smuggling attempts in the region.
She also emphasised the importance of interagency collaboration in combating smuggling and safeguarding the nation. In line with this, the seized cannabis was officially handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.
Ojeifo commended the NDLEA for its efforts in protecting the nation from the dangers of illegal drugs and reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to working closely with other agencies to enhance border security.
Similarly, the Kwara Command reported generating over N3.37 billion in revenue between June and July 2024, bringing the total revenue generated from January to July 2024 to N13.4 billion.
Ojeifo concluded by reiterating the command’s determination to intensify efforts against smuggling and other criminal activities across Nigeria’s borders.
