September 27, 2023
Spread the love

Nigerian Customs Seizes Cannabis Sativa

By Okezie Nnadi

 

 

The Nigerian Customs Service has seized Illicit Drugs
Cannabis Sativa in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The ag Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said at a press briefing I. Abeokuta that Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp, is a
psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant.
“It is known for its mindaltering effects and is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance due to its
potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. The abuse of cannabis Sativa
has far-reaching consequences on society, particularly on the youth. Its usage can
lead to impaired cognitive function, addiction, and negative impacts on mental
health and general wellbeing.
He said there has been an alarming increase in the abuse of
cannabis Sativa within the Nigerian society. The harmful effects of this substance
on the youth cannot be overstated. It poses a significant challenge to public health
and safety, as well as social and economic development. The Nigeria Customs
Service (NCS) recognizes the gravity of this situation and is determined to work
with our partners to address these concerning trends, through robust measures to
combat its proliferation and trade in Nigeria. The Ag CGC said
Perpetuators of this nefarious act use ingenious means to force the
proliferation of trade in Cannabis Sativa in Nigeria through various illicit means,
including the use of creeks, concealment through land borders, and even
smuggling via air routes. The creative concealment techniques employed by
traffickers present a significant challenge in the fight against this menace.
“As the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), we recognize our critical role in
protecting society from the entry of harmful substances. We are deeply committed
to fulfilling our social contract with Nigerians, ensuring their safety and
wellbeing by intercepting illicit drugs and other harmful substances.
“Announcement of Recent Efforts by NCS in Seizure of Cannabis Sativa.
“Today, we are pleased to announce the recent efforts and unwavering
commitment of our officers in intercepting cannabis sativa within the NCS Zone
A operations. Specifically, by officers in FOU command, the western marine
command and the Sector 2 border drill operatives. Details of the seizures include:
Officers of FOU Zone A made seizures of 14,015 parcels of
Cannabis Sativa, weighting 7,728 Kg with, translating to a Duty Paid Value
of NGN 618,240,000 discharged from a boat at the creeks around Ajah and
Ijebu-ode area. A total of 3 suspects and the items, were handed over to
NDLEA on 2 August 2023 and are currently undergoing investigations.
On Thursday 3 August 2023, at about 0400hrs, a joint patrol team of
officers intercepted a wooden boat with 2 Yamaha outboard engines (40
Horsepower) each containing 103 sacks containing 8,240 loaves of
substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, weighting 3,811KG at a DPV
of NGN 32,193,000.


On Monday 7 August 2023 at about 0315hrs credible intelligence
led to the Seizure of of 2,940 parcels of Cannabis Sativa around
Sokoto/ijoun road, Yewa North Local government Area of Ogun State. The
Items were ingeniously concealed with heap of pineapple fruits loaded in
an unregistered white fiat bus with chassis number 2FA230000061419
Two Suspects, one Mr. Akeem olatunde – a driver and Mr. Abdul Nurudeen
Adedeji – Passenger have been arrested and taken into custody pending
further investigation.


He assured the citizens that the Nigeria
Customs Service remains steadfast in delivering on its statutory mandates and
protecting our beloved nation from the scourge of illicit drugs. We assure the
public that details of our investigations will be made available to ensure
transparency and accountability.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *