By Innocent Orok
The Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, Owerri, of the Nigeria Customs Service on Friday handover 151 wraps of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Indian Hemp with a total weight of 77,500 grams and 15 wraps of Canadian Loud which also has a total weight of 8,600 grams , to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
(NDLEA).
According to Comptroller Bishir A. Balogun, the Controller of FOU, Zone ‘C’, Owerri “the event underscores our collective commitment, as Law Enforcement Agencies, to safeguarding the security, health, and economic well-being of our great nation.
The seizure we are handing over today was made possible through the vigilance, intelligence, and dedication of our officers and men, who intercepted the illicit substance during one of our routine patrol operations within the Zone.”
Comptroller Balogun said the contraband was carefully concealed and transported in a manner intended to evade detection,” but our officers, acting on credible
intelligence and in line with our operational mandate, were able to intercept and secure it.”
“The Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, remains steadfast in executing its statutory responsibilities- revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade.
However, our role also extends to supporting national security efforts by intercepting prohibited and dangerous substances that threaten the safety and moral fabric of our society.
“The handing over of these 151 wraps of Cannabis Sativa (77,500g) and 15 wraps of Canadian Loud (8,600g) to the NDLEA today 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 that such harmful substances are removed from circulation.
“Let me therefore thank and appreciate the Comptroller General of Customs and His Management for the wonderful support being extended to the Unit.
“We pledge to continue to uplift the image of the Service. In the same vein, let me commend the officers of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, for their diligence and professionalism.
“Your tireless efforts continue to make this Command a formidable force in the fight against smuggling and other criminal activities. I also extend appreciation to our sister agencies- particularly, the NDLEA- for their partnership and shared sense of purpose in building a safer Nigeria.
“To the general public, let me reiterate that the Nigeria Customs Service will not relent in its efforts to protect the nation’s borders and ensure that our communities are safe from the devastating effects of illicit trade and drug trafficking.
“We urge all Nigerians to continue to provide useful information
to support our enforcement operations.”, he said
The drugs were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and necessary action.
