NCS FOU “A” Intercepts over 3,000 Kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, Methamphetamine and Other Illicit Drugs.

By Stella Okocha

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, has intercepted 3,116.9 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa, crystal methamphetamine, Tramadol, Codeine and other illicit substances with a displayed street value of N3.951 billion.

The Controller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Command, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, disclosed this today during the formal handover of the seized narcotics and pharmaceutical products to the NDLEA and NESERA at the Command’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.

According to him, the seized substances included 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks of synthetic strain of cannabis sativa weighing 3,116.9kg.

Other cannabis-related seizures comprised three-and-a-half packs of ground cannabis (Skunk) weighing 3.45kg, two packs of granular cannabis (Skunk) weighing 1kg, 11 small packs of granular cannabis weighing 0.35kg and 49 wraps of cannabis (Skunk) weighing 26.1kg.

24 packets of Backwoods Russian Cream Cigars weighing 0.5 gramme and one wrap of crystal methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg, were also seized.

He said other items seized and handed over included 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of 225mg and 100mg Tramadol tablets, 1,200 Hypnox tablets of 1mg and 97 bottles of Codeine syrup.

The narcotic substances were formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and other necessary action in accordance with its statutory mandate.

Three suspects in connection with the seizures were also arrested and handed over the suspects and the seized narcotics to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and necessary action.

Aliyu said the seizures were made during sustained anti-smuggling operations along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within the Unit’s area of responsibility.

He said the enforcement operations were specifically targeted at disrupting drug trafficking syndicates operating within the zone.

Some bags of Cannabis Sativa and other sachets of drugs

The comptroller warned that the illicit movement of cannabis sativa and other controlled substances posed serious threats to public health, national security and the future of Nigerian youths.

He said, “The illicit movement of Cannabis Sativa and other controlled substances poses a serious threat to public health, national security and the future of our young people. Such substances fuel addiction, criminality, violence and other social problems.”

Aliyu said the Customs Service would continue to strengthen the integrity of the supply chain and support the NDLEA in disrupting the movement of narcotic drugs and illicit goods across Nigeria’s borders.

According to him, “The Nigeria Customs Service, through strengthening the integrity of the supply chain would continue to support the efforts of the NDLEA by disrupting the movement of narcotic drugs and illicit goods across Nigeria’s borders.”

He added that the service was committed to providing relevant information and supporting further investigations whenever necessary.

Aliyu explained that transferring the seized narcotics to the NDLEA would enable the agency to carry out the appropriate forensic, investigative and prosecutorial processes in accordance with the law.

He said the process would also ensure that the seized narcotics were handled, stored and disposed of in a secure and professionally regulated manner.

Meanwhile, the Customs also intercepted four cylinders of a chemical weighing 34.5kg each, which were confirmed to be high-grade mercury used in small-scale illegal gold mining.

Aliyu said the chemical had dual purposes but posed significant environmental hazards and was controlled under the Minamata Convention.

According to him, “In a similar vein, our vigilant officers also intercepted and seized (4) cylinders of a chemical weighing 34.5kg each confirmed to be high grade MERCURY that is used in small scale for illegal mining of GOLD.”

“This item has dual purposes, it has significant environmental hazards and it is controlled by MINAMATA CONVENTION. The chemicals will be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) which is the appropriate environmental regulatory competence for further agency actions.”

The FOU boss said the seizures underscored the importance of collaboration among security and regulatory agencies in tackling smuggling and trans-border criminality.

He stated, “This event underscores the fact that no single agency can effectively confront the complex nature of contemporary smuggling and trans-border criminality alone.”

Aliyu called for sustained information sharing, joint operations, coordinated intelligence, capacity building and prompt transfer of seized items to agencies with the statutory responsibility to handle them.

He commended the leadership and personnel of the NDLEA and NESREA for their cooperation and professionalism, as well as other sister security and regulatory agencies whose contributions, he said, continued to strengthen collective efforts against smuggling.

The comptroller assured that the Federal Operations Unit would not relent in its anti-smuggling responsibilities, saying it would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies, enhanced surveillance, effective patrols and robust enforcement operations to disrupt smugglers and criminal networks.

He said, “Our men have continued to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and respect for the law in the discharge of their duties. We shall continue to facilitate legitimate trade while firmly preventing the movement of prohibited, harmful and improperly regulated goods.”

Aliyu said the fight against narcotics trafficking, environmental crimes and other forms of smuggling remained a collective responsibility.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Customs Service to protecting Nigeria’s borders, safeguarding the lives and well-being of citizens and enforcing all laws governing the movement of goods into and out of the country.