•NDLEA operatives
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ondo/Ekiti Command, has intercepted over 140 sacks of Cannabis sativa, popularly known as Indian hemp, weighing more than 1,400 kilogrammes and valued at N112 million.
The seizure was made in Ado Ekiti while the illicit substance was being transported by two suspects, according to the Comptroller of the command, Mrs Morenikeji Bewaji.
She disclosed that the suspects, along with the confiscated drugs, were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution, reports The Guardian.
Bewaji, however, revealed that the two suspects later absconded after being granted bail on health grounds.
The command has since arrested their surety, Mr Victor Ayodeji, and handed him over to the NDLEA for prosecution.
Describing the seizure as a significant breakthrough, the Comptroller raised concern over the growing volume of illicit drugs in the country, particularly Cannabis sativa, which she said posed a serious threat to national security, public health, and socio-economic stability.
“In our fight against the threat of illicit drugs in our country, inter-agency collaboration remains a cornerstone for success. The partnership between the NCS and the NDLEA is a shining example of effective synergy,” she said.
Bewaji affirmed the resolve of both agencies to deepen cooperation, leverage intelligence, and engage with relevant stakeholders in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
She added that their focus remained on ensuring national security while facilitating legitimate trade.
She also called on members of the public to support the efforts of law enforcement by providing timely and credible information, stressing that the fight against drugs and other forms of criminality required collective effort.
Speaking on behalf of the NDLEA, the state commander, Mr NanzingSallah (represented by the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Mr AdaramolaOlumuyiwa), commended the Customs Service for the successful seizure and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ongoing collaboration in the war against drug trafficking and organised crime.
