Apapa Customs Command Hits Smugglers Again, Seizes Huge Haul of Cannabis Indica Worth N26.5bn
SOME OF THE DRUGS
Again, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has announced the seizure of Cannabis Indica which duty paid value is put at ₦26.5bn
The dangerous drugs which weighed 4,143.5 kilograms were intercepted during routine examination with the operatives of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the premier port.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba following intelligence from the NDLEA had subjected the 1×40ft container number FANU1933352, to thorough examination, a development that revealed the drugs last Friday.
In a press statement issued by the Command Public Relations Officer of the Command, Isah Sulaiman, the container contained three used vehicles- Red Nissan Micra (2015 model) Black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model) and Gray Toyota Corolla (2015 model).
According to the statement, a thorough examination showed that 162 bags containing a total of 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica. Each parcel weighs 500 grams.
A breakdown of the seizure showed that while four bags were found concealed inside the Red Nissan Micra (2015 model), the remaining 158 bags were found from the floor of the container and in the spaces between the 3 vehicles.
He stated that no illicit substances were discovered in the Black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model) or the Gray Toyota Corolla (2015 model).
The statement quoted Comptroller Oshoba saying that the seizures highlight the Area Command’s unwavering vigilance and dedication in intercepting prohibited items, as far as illicit drugs that endanger public health, safety and national security are concerned.
The Controller said that the action aligns with the zero-tolerance directive of the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR against all forms of illicit trade in the nation’s ports.
He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to facilitate legitimate trade as it rigorously enforces the law against the importation of prohibited and restricted goods.
He commend the officers of the Command for their diligence and professionalism in carrying out the examination.
According to him, “This seizure once again demonstrates our untiring commitment in ensuring that only lawful trade thrives in Apapa Port. As we intensify investigation into the matter, I want to reiterate that this command has made the port a no-go area for anything forbidden by our laws.
“Let me use this opportunity to rebuild the confidence of our compliant traders and assure them once again that they would always enjoy the many trade facilitation incentives emplaced by the Comptroller General of Customs.”
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