Hyacinth Chinweuba
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on
Thursday, handed over to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, 3,851kg of Indian hemp, also known as Cannabis sativa, valued N308 million.
Acting Controller of FOU Zone A, DC Hussein Ejibunu, revealed that two suspects, Ebuka Mbamalu and Iruka Chita, had been detained in relation to the cannabis found along the Ogere-Ilaro expressway.
He claims that despite this, the two suspects have been turned over to the NDLEA for additional investigation and prosecution since they were found to have, respectively, 627.0kg and 80 packages of Cannabis Sativa.
Ejibunu emphasized the value of the collaboration that existed between Customs and the NDLEA while turning over the suspects to the agency.
He declared: “As a Nation, it is our duty to safeguard the safety of people and property, as well as to prevent the entry of illegal goods. Criminals, kidnappers, bandits, and even members of Boko Haram frequently use cannabis sativa to charge up in a way that enables them to commit heinous deeds.
“I am putting it over to you today that the synergy will be totally resounded,” Ejibunu stated. “We are completely resolute to assure continued synergy.”
The State Commander of the NDLEA, Barr Alumona Callys, expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the service and the NDLEA earlier.
Alumona, who was represented by Mr. Augustine Yusuf, Deputy Commander, Operations and Intelligence, Lagos State Command, NDLEA, claimed that the collaboration between the two organizations will halt the importation and cross-border trade of illegal narcotics.
He stated: “Under the leadership of the present Chairman of NDLEA, Gen. Muhammad Buba Marwa (Rtd), we have been doing our best by enlightening the public to enhance drug usage control. Our objective and action have been so obvious and it is to let everyone say no to drugs.
“We have implemented a comprehensive strategy known as the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), and we are implementing it at the grassroots level to educate more people and help them make the best decisions for their lives.
The Nigerian Customs Service has been excellent, he continued. They have been a part of us since the beginning and have always acted as our big brothers. We will undertake an investigation into the suspects, and the people who conducted the arrest will provide us with crucial information for potential prosecution.