The synergy among government agencies in Nigeria’s premier port, Apapa has continued to yield more results as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have seized Canadian Loud, an expensive strain of cannabis concealed inside an imported vehicles.
This is coming barely 5 days after NCS and NDLEA uncovered 25.5kg cocaine in a Brazilian flagged vessel in the same port.
NCS, Apapa Area Command, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Isah Sulaiman who confirmed the development in a statement made available to Maritime Bits said the seizure was sequel to credible intelligence provided by NDLEA.
Sulaiman, a Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) stated that both agencies uncovered a total of 2,374 packages of cannabis concealed in 55 bags hidden inside a 1x20ft container with number FCIU 6369526 laden with two vehicles. Total weight of the illicit drug is 1,187kg.
“Both agencies, in the course of joint examination, discovered the seizure which has been taken into the custody of the NDLEA. A breakdown of the drugs indicates that they were packed in 500 grams per sachet”, the statement added.
The statement quoted the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, commending the robust synergy between the NCS and NDLEA while reiterating the service zero tolerance for smuggling.
His words: “Few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due check. Our synergy as agencies of government will always put us ahead of criminal elements. No matter the volume of trade we are processing, we will never sacrifice national security and economy for any form of trade. While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for government, our eagle eyed officers are activated to be alert at all times.
“Let me warn, once again for the umpteenth time, any trader- importer, exporter, freight forwarder or licensed customs agent that dares our resolve this Yuletide season and beyond will face the full wrath of the law. Investigations are ongoing on this seizure and we shall bring the perpetrators to book.”
