… as Controller urges officers on vigilance during Sallah
The Seme Command of the Nigeria’s Customs Service (NCS) has reported a seizure of 553 parcels of Cannabis sativa valued at N10 million over the weekend.
The seizure was made by officers of the Command while on routine patrol along the Abidjan – Lagos corridor when they intercepted a Ford Bus with registration number EPE 622 YC at Gbatrome, Badagr
According to a statement from the Command endorsed by its spokesman, Abdullahi Hussaini, upon a search of the bus, seven large sacks containing 553 parcels of cannabis sativa, also known as Indian hemp, were discovered.
He stated that four male occupants of the vehicle comprising two civilians and two members of one of the sister security agencies conveying the contraband items were arrested.
Hussaini added that the contraband narcotics valued at about 10 million naira 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, he said 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, mni, 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 NCS and engage in a legitimate business,” the statement read in part.
Meanwhile, Nnadi who is also the Chairman of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post, wished all stakeholders and officers and men of NCS 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 urged them to ensure that all facilities and critical government infrastructures in their area of responsibility are protected during this period as always.