DAMISI OJO,Akure
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, Mrs Morenikeji Bewaji, said the substance was intercepted while being conveyed by two suspects in Ado Ekiti.
They were clamped down by NSC patrol team on Dec. 7, 2024.
According to Bewaji, the suspects absconded after being granted bail by the command on health grounds.
She said the surety for the two suspects, Mr Ale Victor Ayodeji has been arrested and handed over to the NDLEA for prosecution.
The Comptroller bemoaned the rapid increase in trade of illicit drugs; particularly cannabis sativa which she said posed grave threat to the society.
She added that drug abuse had fuelled criminal activities, insecurity, and undermined the socio-economic stability of the nation.
According to her, these vices not only erode the values of our communities but also jeopardise the future of our youths and affect national progress.
”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.
”We will continue to intensify our operations by leveraging on intelligence, collaborating with other security agencies, and engaging critical stakeholders.”
She promised that the two security agencies had resolved to be steadfast, and determined to ensure the safety and security of the nation while promoting legitimate trade.
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.
She said through effective collaboration and partnership, they could achieve shared mandate of safeguarding the health, security, and future of our society.
The NCS comptroller commended the NDLEA for its outstanding dedication and contributions to the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
She said that the service remained committed to supporting the NDLEA’s noble efforts to achieve the shared vision of a drug-free Nigeria.
Responding, the state Commander of NDLEA, Mr Nanzing Sallah,lauded the NSC for the huge seizure of the drug substance.
Sallah, who was represented by Mr Adaramola Olumuyiwa, the Deputy Commander of Narcotics in the state, said that the synergy would surely continue in fighting criminalities in the society.
