By Sandra Chukwunyere
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The Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone C, Owerri, has successfully intercepted a large quantity of illicit substances, comprising 151 wraps of Cannabis Sativas (Indian Hemp) weighing 77,500 grams and 15 wraps of Canadian Loud weighing 8,600 grams. The contraband was concealed and attempted to be smuggled into the Nigerian market, but was foiled by the vigilance of Customs officers.
The seizure was made during a routine patrol operation within the Zone, where Officers acted on credible intelligence to intercept and secure the illicit substances. The contraband was carefully concealed and transported in a manner intended to evade detection, but the officers’ diligence and professionalism led to its discovery.
The Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, Owerri, Comptroller Bishir Balogun on Friday, November 14th revealed that the interception was a result of the unit’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders and communities. He commended the officers for their tireless efforts in making the seizure, which has dealt a significant blow to the illicit trade.
The intercepted substances have been handed over to the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation. Comptroller Balogun emphasized that the handover reflects the spirit of inter-agency cooperation that the Federal Government continues to encourage, and that the NDLEA remains the competent authority in handling drug-related matters.
He said, “the Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the nation’s borders and ensuring that communities are safe from the devastating effects of illicit trade and drug trafficking. “The Service will continue to work in synergy with sister agencies, particularly the NDLEA, to ensure that justice is served and that such harmful substances are removed from circulation”.
Comptroller Balogun also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs and his management for their wonderful support being extended to the unit. He commended the officers of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, for their diligence and professionalism, which has made the unit a formidable force in the fight against smuggling and other criminal activities.
The Customs FOU C boss also extended appreciation to sister agencies, particularly the NDLEA, for their partnership and shared sense of purpose in building a safer Nigeria. He reiterated that the Nigeria Customs Service will not relent in its efforts to protect the nation’s borders and ensure that communities are safe from the devastating effects of illicit trade and drug trafficking.
Newspoints247 reports that the handing over of the contraband to the NDLEA marks a significant milestone in the fight against drug trafficking and smuggling in Nigeria. The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to execute its statutory responsibilities, including revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade, while working in synergy with sister agencies to build a safer Nigeria.
