Customs Intercept N265m Hard Drugs In Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service at Kirikiri Lighter Terminal reported the interception of 51.25 kilograms of cannabis indica, valued at N256 million, in September.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Joy Edeldouk, disclosed this while handing over the seized hard drugs to officers of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency at the command in Apapa, Lagos.

Edeldouk added that the act violates the provision of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, Section 55 sub-section 1C and 1F.

She maintained that the interception was a testament to the command’s continued dedication and commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders from the importation of illicit and harmful substances.

“In line with the CGC’s policy thrust of collaboration, consolidation, and innovation, on Wednesday 11th of September, our vigilant officers, working in conjunction with the NDLEA, intercepted a consignment of cannabis indica weighing 51.25kg valued at N256m”, Edeldouk said.

According to her, the negative impact of drugs, such as cannabis indica, on individuals, families, and society at large ranges from the destruction of lives to an increase in crime, fueling violence, among others.

Edeldouk maintained that by keeping these dangerous substances out of the communities, “we are preventing untold harm and helping secure a safer future for our citizens, particularly our youths who are most vulnerable to the allure of these harmful substances,”

The KLT Customs boss, however, added that the seized drugs, alongside the suspects, were handed over to officers of the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.

She vowed to ensure that the suspects face the full wrath of the law, adding that the command remains committed to dealing with any other person caught in the same crime.

Edeldouk warned all unscrupulous importers who might be contemplating testing the resolve of the Nigeria Customs Service to desist from that.

She reiterated that the service is unwavering in its duty to protect the integrity of the borders and would not hesitate to bring those involved in illegal importation to justice.

She mentioned that the NCS, in collaboration with other agencies, would continue to intensify its efforts to rid the country of dangerous contraband.

She promised legitimate traders that the service remained committed to ensuring that the facilitation of legitimate trade is unhindered, “but for those seeking to engage in illegal activities, our message is simple, there is no room for criminality in NCS anyone who dares to breach the law of the country would be caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,”