*Nabs 3 Suspects
Narcotics and pharmaceutical products with a combined street value of N3.95 billion have been intercepted by officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos.
No fewer than three persons connected with the seizures were also arrested and shown to news men Thursday at the NCS, FOU, Zone ‘A’ operational headquarter situated along Mobolaji Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos.
The three suspects and the seizures comprising thousands of parcels of narcotics including cannabis, crystal methamphetamine, Tramadol, Hypnox tablets and codeine syrup were formally transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigations and prosecution of those allegedly involved.
These were disclosed by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), FOU, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos Comptroller Gambo Aliyu while displaying the seizures to newsmen.
Giving an insight into the operations of his command, Aliyu stated that the seizures were the outcome of what he called “sustained intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations” along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within its area of jurisdiction.
The CAC disclosed that his officers and men intercepted no fewer than 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks of synthetic strain of Cannabis Sativa weighing 3,116.9kg, alongside other cannabis products and one wrap of Crystal Methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg.
Other narcotics seized included 49 wraps of Cannabis (Skunk) weighing 26.1kg, 3½ packs of ground Cannabis (Skunk) weighing 3.45kg, two packs of granulated Cannabis weighing 1kg and 11 small packs weighing 0.35kg.
The unit also seized 24 packets of Backwoods Russian Cream Cigars while pharmaceutical products included 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of 225mg and 100mg Tramadol tablets, 1,200 Hypnox tablets and 97 bottles of codeine syrup.
The Customs Chief stated that the illicit movement of controlled substances was a major threat to public health, national security and the future of young Nigerians just as he warned that drug trafficking fuels addiction, criminality and violence in the country.
Aliyu’s words: “The Nigeria Customs Service, through strengthening the integrity of the supply chain, would continue to support the efforts of the NDLEA by disrupting the movement of narcotic drugs and illicit goods across Nigeria’s borders.”
He also revealed that the interception of four cylinders of high-grade mercury, each weighing 34.5kg, which he said was used in small-scale illegal gold mining.
According to Aliyu, the chemical which has significant environmental hazards, is controlled under the Mina Mata Convention and would be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for appropriate action.
He stressed that effective enforcement against smuggling and trans-border crime required stronger inter-agency collaboration through intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated enforcement.
The Customs Chief assured that FOU Zone ‘A’ would sustain surveillance, patrols and intelligence-led operations while facilitating legitimate trade and preventing the movement of prohibited and harmful goods.
According to the CAC, the handover of the seizures and the suspects demonstrated NCS commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders, public health, environmental safety and the national security.
