The Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS), Ondo/ Ekiti Command, has handed over 140 sacks of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa weighing 1,400 kilogrammes to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The substance, estimated to have a market value of N112 million, was handed over to the NDLEA on Monday in Akure.

The NCS comptroller in charge of the command, Morenikeji Bewaji, said the substance was intercepted while being conveyed by two suspects in Ado Ekiti before being clamped down by the NSC patrol team on December 7, 2024.

Ms Bewaji explained that the suspects absconded after being granted bail by the command on health grounds.

According to her, the surety for the two suspects, Ale Victor Ayodeji, has been arrested and handed over to the NDLEA for prosecution.

She berated the rapid increase in the trade of illicit drugs, particularly cannabis sativa, which she said posed a grave threat to society.

Ms Bewaji added that drug abuse had fuelled criminal activities and insecurity and undermined the socio-economic stability of the nation.

”In our fight against this threat of illicit drugs in our country, inter-agency collaboration remains a cornerstone for success.

”The partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the NDLEA is a shining example of effective synergy.

”Together, the two agencies have achieved significant milestones, and we are committed to further strengthening this collaboration to reduce if not totally eliminate, illicit drugs,” Ms Bewaji said.

Ms Bewaji urged members of the public to join hands with the NSC by providing timely and credible information, saying that the battle against drug trafficking and other forms of criminality required a collective effort.

The NCS comptroller commended the NDLEA for its outstanding dedication and contributions to the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

Responding, the state commander of NDLEA, Nanzing Sallah, applauded the NSC for the seizure of the drug substance.

Mr Sallah, represented by Adaramola Olumuyiwa, the deputy commander of narcotics in the state, said the synergy would continue in the fight against criminalities.

(NAN)