The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command on Friday, November 10, handed over fourteen million, one hundred and thirty-eight thousand, four hundred and sixty naira (14,138, 460.00) worth of cannabis sativa intercepted from suspected smugglers to the State Command of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The sixty-four sacks and one hundred and fifty compressed Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp) according to the Comptroller, Oyo/Osun NCS, Ben Oramalugo, were seized from various axes within the command’s area of responsibility.
Speaking in Ibadan while handing over the substance to Oyo NDLEA, Oramalugo said the illegal substance weighed a total of 777.5kg.
He said the seizure was made possible through the timely sharing of credible intelligence and effective collaboration/synergy between all Units of NCS residents between Oyo and Osun States. (Federal Operations Unit, Border Dril).
He lamented that the menace of drug he society is becoming alarming which called for urgent action before it get out of hand, saying the future of the nation is at stake if something is not done.
He said aside seizure of the cannabis sativa, the Command also seized 1,248 (50kg) bags of rice, 425 (25litres) kegs of petrol, 24 bales of used clothing and one used bag, 492 pieces of used tyres, and one Dane gun.
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He noted that several laudable achievements have been recorded since his assumption of office in the last seven months including a fight against smugglers and revenue generation.
He however thanked the Comptroller General of Customs for the provision of seven operational vehicles to the Command towards the realization of the Command mandate in the area of smuggling.
“It is important to note that the Command recognizes the importance of collaboration and inter-agency cooperation of which it fosters strong partnerships with relevant Federal Government Agencies, Trade Associations and the General Publics.”
“We would also like to mention that the collaborative efforts of the Sister Agencies such as the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Security, NDLEA, and Oyo State Operation Burst are all appreciated.”
“We would also like to appreciate and acknowledge the cooperation of various Traditional rulers and Community leaders who have continued to enlighten their respective Communities of the ills of Smuggling.”
“We also thank the government of Oyo and Osun States for providing an enabling environment for the Command’s Officers and Men to perform their statutory functions, while assuring our compliant stakeholders with legitimate businesses within the Command’s Area of Responsibility of our maximum cooperation.”
Meanwhile, the Oyo NDLEA Deputy Commander, Operations and Training, Lukas Yerima, while receiving the cannabis on behalf of the NDLEA Commander in the state lauded the effort of the Customs, saying Nigerian youths would have a future if the movement of drugs can be curtailed across the nation.