The Kwara Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Wednesday in Ilorin announced the seizure of a large consignment of cannabis sativa valued at about N57.6 million.

The command’s Area Controller, Comptroller Faith Ojeifo, told journalists the seizure was made on July 3 based on credible intelligence.

”It took place around the Yamboa axis of Bukuro in the Baruten Local Government Area. The cannabis was discovered in a DAF truck with registration number T-25750-LA, which the driver abandoned after realising that customs officers had detected the hidden contraband.

“Upon inspection, the truck was found to contain 1,153 parcels of cannabis sativa, concealed in fabricated compartments. The truck, valued at N21.5 million, will be forfeited to the Federal Government under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023,” he said.

The area controller further said in addition to the drug seizure, the command intercepted 2,750 litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit of which total Duty Paid Value is N550,000.

“It is lamentable that in spite of the current fuel scarcity in Nigeria, some individuals attempted to smuggle PMS out of the country,” he said.

Mr Ojeifo also disclosed that the total DPV of all items seized during the period under review amounted to N42.7 million and therefore commended his officers for their dedication and professionalism.

He stated, “This has been crucial in thwarting smuggling activities in the area.”

He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between security agencies in securing Nigeria’s borders.

Mr Ojeifo pointed out that this was partly instrumental to the Kwara Command generating over N3.37 billion in revenue between June and July 2024.

”This brought the total revenue collected from January to July 2024 to N13.4 billion.”

The controller then reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling and other criminal activities across Nigeria’s borders.

Meanwhile, the seized cannabis has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further action.

Speaking with journalists, the Kwara NDLEA Commander, Fatima Popoola, commended the customs for a job well done.

Ms Popoola said the seized cannabis would have gone to society to destroy lives if not for the customs’ intervention. The commander said NDLEA would cooperate with the customs to ensure the offenders were apprehended.

“These people don’t deserve to be in society. We will work together with customs to ensure they are brought to book,” she said.

(NAN)