The Comptroller of the Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Paschal Chibuoke, says the command has intercepted a total of 283 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp).
The Area Comptroller of the command, Mr Paschal Chibuoke disclosed this while addressing journalists at a media briefing at the Area Command headquarters in Minna, the capital of Niger State, on Monday.
This was coming barely four weeks of the assumption of office of the Customs Area Comptroller.
The Area Comptroller, explained that during a search, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush upon realizing that the officers had discovered the concealed illicit drugs.
“Additionally, the Nigeria Customs Service operatives intercepted a Honda Accord with plate number FKJ 878 and a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N5.44 million along the Lokoja-Abuja highways based on intelligence.
“The vehicle was suspected to be carrying prohibited items. Upon inspection, 283 parcels of cannabis sativa with a duty paid value (DPV) of N5,660,000.00 were found.
The 283 seized parcels of cannabis sativa have been handed over to the Commandant of the Niger State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Narcotic Commandant NC Shehu Numau Gwadabawa.
He also highlighted other recent seizures, including nine units of exotic cars and vehicles with a cumulative duty paid value of N170,160,267.00, and 104 jerry-cans of premium motor spirit (PMS) valued at N416,000. These items were auctioned due to their inflammatory nature.
Despite the current petrol scarcity, the Comptroller expressed concern over the attempted smuggling of this product out of the country.
He commended the commitment and sacrifice of the Command’s officers and emphasized the importance of rewarding exceptional performance to boost morale.
Comptroller Chibuoke warned smugglers and urged them to engage in legitimate businesses, emphasizing that there is no hiding place for them within his jurisdiction.
He also cautioned the public about fraudulent individuals posing as customs officers.
The State Commandant of the NDLEA Niger State Command, Commandant Shehu Numau Gwadabawa, praised the partnership with the Area Command and assured continued cooperation to ensure a drug-free Niger State.
