Anti smuggling prowess: Apapa Customs intercepts 162 bags of Cannabis indica worth over N26 billion.
Anti smuggling prowess: Apapa Customs intercepts 162 bags of Cannabis indica worth over N26 billion.
The Apapa.Commanf.of Nigeria Customs Service said it intercepted 162 bags of Cannabis indica worth over N26 billion weighing 41,435 kg
The Command stated that it intercepted the contraband item during a routine examination with the person el of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the commands enforcement unit.
“Following credible and collaborative intelligence gathered in conjunction with the NDLEA, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, directed that 40-foot No. FANU1933352 container be subject to a thorough examination. The inspection, conducted recently led to the discovery of the concealed items.
“The container was found to contain Three (3) used vehicles- Red Nissan Micra (2015 model) Black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model) and Gray Toyota Corolla (2015 model). A thorough search of the container led to the discovery of 162 bags containing a total of 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica. Each parcel weighs 500 grams.
“A breakdown of the seizure shows that Four (4) bags were found concealed inside the Red Nissan Micra. The remaining 158 bags were recovered from the floor of the container and in the spaces between the 3 vehicles. No illicit substances were found in the Black Toyota Corolla S or the Gray Toyota Corolla.”
Comptroller Oshoba stated that the seizure highlights the Command’s unwavering vigilance and dedication to intercepting prohibited items, particularly illicit drugs that endanger public health, safety and national security.
He emphasized that the action aligns with the zero-tolerance directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR against all forms of illicit trade in the nation’s ports.
The CAC reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to facilitate legitimate trade while rigorously enforcing the law against the importation of prohibited and restricted goods while commending the officers of the Command for their diligence and professionalism in carrying out the examination.
According to him,”This seizure once again demonstrates our untiring commitment in ensuring that only lawful trade thrives in Apapa Port. As we intensify investigation into the matter, I want to reiterate that this command has made the port a no-go area for any thing forbidden by our laws.
“Let me use this opportunity to rebuild the confidence of our compliant traders and assure them once again that they would always enjoy the many trade facilitation incentives emplaced by the Comptroller General of Customs” He concluded
Comptroller Oshoba has since ordered the seizure of the 1×40ft container in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Ac
t 2023 and extant laws.
