The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), yesterday, declared war against illicit drugs in Nigeria, and handed over seized Indian Hemp to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The customs declared an emergency against drug abuse in collaboration with NDLEA, called on Nigerians to take a stand against the menace of illicit drugs.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, while handing over the items in Abuja, noted that five suspects were arrested, and one was granted administrative bail, while four others were handed over to NDLEA.
The seizures include: FOU Zone A. 13,567 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, totalling 7,461 Kg; FOU Zone B. 1,511 parcels and 292 bags of Indian Hemp, 2,409 packets, and 8,700 unregistered sachets of Tramadol, along with 2,042 sealed nylons containing D5 Tablets.
Other items are, FOU Zone C. 3,213 Parcels/blocks and 935 sacks of Cannabis Sativa; Ogun 1 Area Command. 2,223 wraps and 144 sacks of Cannabis Sativa weighing 3,312.7 KG; Western Marine Command, 1,205 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 624 kg and 109 packs of 6 pieces by 10 sachets of Tramadol.
Adeniyi assured Nigerians that those involved in any action of illicit trade would be brought to justice. He said: “The battle against illicit drugs requires a united front, and communities play a pivotal role in this fight. We urge communities to see themselves as key partners in the quest for a drug-free nation.
“It is not just a responsibility of law enforcement agencies; it is a collective duty of every citizen. By partnering with Customs and NDLEA, the communities become the first line of defense against the menace of illicit drugs.
“We emphasise the critical need for synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA. Together, we form an unyielding front against drug traffickers and their nefarious activities. Our collaboration extends beyond this handover; it is a commitment to ongoing cooperation in intelligence sharing, joint operations, and policy alignment. The battle is not for Customs or NDLEA alone; it is a battle for a safer Nigeria, and we stand united.”
While receiving the items, the chairman of NDLEA, Gen. Buba Marwa (retired), said the NDLEA and Custom is setting pace for what inter agency is supposed to be.
Marwa, represented by the Director of Operations and General Investigation of NDLEA, Bashir Samuel Gadzama, said: “For every crime and criminality we are facing in Nigeria today. Drugs have an underlying role; drugs play a very prominent role.”