The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has seized ₦26,569,847,771 worth of Cannabis Indica weighing 4,143.5 kilograms.
Controller of the command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba said the drugs were seized during a routine examination with the personnel of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Command’s Enforcement Unit on Friday.
Oshoba said based on credible intelligence with the NDLEA, the 1×40ft container number FANU1933352, was subjected to thorough examination which resulted in the discovery of the illicit drugs.
According to him, items found in the container include three used vehicles- Red Nissan Micra (2015 model) Black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model) and Gray Toyota Corolla (2015 model) and the discovery of 162 bags containing a total of 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica. Each parcel weighs 500 grams.
“A breakdown of the seizure shows that four bags were found concealed inside the Red Nissan Micra (2015 model). The remaining 158 bags were recovered from the floor of the container and in the spaces between the 3 vehicles. No illicit substances were found in the Black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model) or the Gray Toyota Corolla (2015 model), ” he said.
Comptroller Oshoba stated that the seizure highlights the Command’s unwavering vigilance and dedication to intercepting prohibited items, particularly illicit drugs that endanger public health, safety and national security.
He emphasized that the action aligns with the zero-tolerance directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi against all forms of illicit trade in the nation’s ports.
The CAC reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to facilitate legitimate trade while enforcing the law against the importation of prohibited and restricted goods.
The Customs boss also commended the officers of the Command for their diligence and professionalism in carrying out the examination.
He said: “This seizure once again demonstrates our untiring commitment in ensuring that only lawful trade thrives in Apapa Port. As we intensify investigation into the matter, I want to reiterate that this command has made the port a no go area for any thing forbidden by our laws.
“Let me use this opportunity to rebuild the confidence of our compliant traders and assure them once again that they would always enjoy the many trade facilitation incentives emplaced by the Comptroller General of Customs” he concluded.
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