Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone C, has foiled a drug trafficking attempt with the interception of 151 wraps of Cannabis Sativa weighing 77,500 grams and 15 wraps of Canadian Loud weighing 8,600 grams, concealed and transported in an effort to evade detection.
The illicit substances were formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Unit’s headquarters in Owerri.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Comptroller of FOU Zone C, Comptroller Bishir Balogun, said the successful interception was a direct result of credible intelligence and the vigilance of his officers during routine patrols within the zone.
“The contraband was carefully concealed and transported in a manner intended to evade detection, but our officers, acting on intelligence and in line with our operational mandate, were able to intercept and secure it”, he stated.
Comptroller Balogun reaffirmed that the Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, remains unwavering in its statutory responsibilities of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade.
He emphasised that Customs also plays a critical role in safeguarding national security by intercepting prohibited and harmful substances that pose threats to communities.
He highlighted that the handover to NDLEA reflects the spirit of inter-agency cooperation that the Federal Government continues to encourage. “The NDLEA remains the competent authority in handling drug-related matters, and we are proud to work in synergy with them to ensure that justice is served and these harmful substances are removed from circulation”, he added.
He officially handed over the seized 77.5kg of Cannabis Sativa and 8.6kg of Canadian Loud to NDLEA officials for further investigation and necessary action.
Comptroller Balogun commended the officers of FOU Zone C for their professionalism and dedication, describing them as a formidable force in the fight against smuggling while also urging the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that can assist law enforcement agencies in combating illicit trade and drug trafficking.
