The Seme Border Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted 553 parcels of cannabis sativa worth over N10million, while apprehending 4 suspects in connection with the seizures.
Speaking on the development, the Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, mni, condemned this nefarious means of earning a living by some members of the society who have no consideration for the damaging effects of hard drugs which contribute to crime in the country.
According to the Customs boss, the seizure was made at about 4:03am today by officers of Seme Command of NCS while on routine patrol along the Abidjan – Lagos corridor.
“The officers intercepted a Ford Bus with registration number EPE 622 YC at Gbatrome, Badagry. Upon search of the bus, seven large sacks containing five hundred and fifty-three (553) parcels of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian Hemp, were discovered. Four male occupants of the vehicle comprising two civilians and two members of one of the sister security agencies conveying the contraband items were arrested,” Comptroller Dera Nnadi explained.
He, however, enjoined members of the society who traverse the Seme Corridor to take advantage of the trade facilitation efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service and engage in a legitimate business.
“The means of conveyance were taken to the police station at Seme and detained pending further investigations. Also taken to the station are the four male suspects who have volunteered statements. However, the two members of one of the sister security agencies were handed over to their agency for further necessary action. A preliminary investigation following the questioning of the suspects revealed that the Indian hemp was destined for Kaduna State,” a press statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Hussani said.
Meanwhile, the Customs Area Controller Seme Command and Chairman of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, mni wishes all stakeholders and officers and men of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and sister border agencies along the corridor to remain vigilant during the Sallah celebration as smugglers may wish to take advantage the public holidays to engage in their reprehensible acts.
Nnadi also maintained that there is a dire need for security agencies to ensure that all facilities and critical government infrastructures in their area of operations, are protected during this period.
