Hyacinth ChinweubaThe Ogun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has arrested smugglers with 1.8 tons of some substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp) along Imeko/Ilara axis of Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The substances, according to the Command Public Relations Officer, ASC1 Abdulahi Maiwada were technically packed in various sizes of 176 sacks, 120 book-size packs as well as 21 coconut-size packs, transited into Nigeria from a neighbouring country.
Speaking at a handing over ceremony held at the Command in Abeokuta, the Area Controller, Comptroller Michael Ojo Agbara, disclosed this, which he said was due to the commitment, dedication, diligence, resilience and humility demonstrated by the Command Operatives.
“through a magnificent high level of intelligence network established that gave the information, propelled the operatives to smartly descend on some vehicles laden with rice packed along Imeko/Ilara axis suspected to be carrying Cannabis sativa, adding that during the operation, no suspect could be apprehended” Comptroller Agbara said.
While expressing satisfaction over the Command’s latest seizures, Comptroller Agbara said “We have a total of 176 sacks of Cannabis, 120 book-size packs and 21 coconut-size packs, with a total combined weight of 1.8 tons of the illicit drugs.
“We are therefore handing over the impounded items to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as part of the synergy we have with the agency in Ogun State, to ensure further inspection and accessment of the drugs. .
Noting that, there is a synergy with sister agencies for the advancement of growth and “We put the country interest first, Wherever we make any arrest that falls on the NDLEA’s line of duty, we are duty bound to hand over to the agency.
“Likewise if the agency sees anything of our interest, the agency will inform us and handover to us, because we have that mutual understanding.
“That is why we are doing all that we can to rid Ogun State and its environs of all dangerous substances harmful to health that are used by criminals or men of the underworld to undermine the security of the nation.”
While applauding the tremendous achievements of the Comptroller Michael Ojo Agbara led Administration, the State Commander of the NDLEA, Ishaku Kwajafa said that, the agency would ensure the owners of the substances are brought to book to face the full strength of the law.
Kwajafa disclosed that NDLEA had prosecuted and secured 30 years imprisonment for a suspect arrested in connection with the last set of seized Cannabis handed over to the agency by the Customs.
“Even though the suspects are yet to be arrested, I have assured the Comptroller that after taking over the exhibits, we are going to conduct thorough investigation and we will make sure we trace the owners
