Despite losing 2 officers, Kebbi Customs command seize contrabands worth over 164M naira in 10 days
... hands over 1 suspect to NDLEA over smuggling of cannabis sativa
Segun Oladipupo
Despite losing two officers to attacks by smugglers, the Kebbi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has within ten days, nabbed several contraband items with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of one hundred and sixty four million, eight hundred and fifteen thousand, six hundred and twenty nine naira (₦164, 815,629).
The Command’s Area Controller, Comptroller BEen Oramalugo in a press statement also handed over a suspect in connection with smuggling of 50 parcels of cannabis sativa, to the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In a tease by the Public Relations Officer of the command, ASC Mubarak Mustapha, the
following items were seized during the period under review:
1. Three hundred and seventy one (371) parcels of Cannabis Sativa otherwise called indian hemp intercepted at kawara water side, Suru Local government Area.
2. 98 packs of diazepam
3. 10 sacks of snuff
4. 1080 pieces of donkey skin
5. 37 bags of foreign parboiled rice
6. 300 litres of PMS
7. 16 bales of second hand clothing
8. One used Toyota Corolla as means of conveyance, among others.
Text of the statement said, “The handing over of the items is to foster interagency collaboration between Nigeria Customs Service and our sister agencies in line with the policy thrust of our new Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi Adewale MFR dsm fnipr psc(+).
“Recall that ten days ago, precisely on 14th August 2023, during our last press briefing, we made a vow that henceforth, there would be no breathing space for smugglers in Kebbi Command, especially those who smuggle drugs and other items injurious to our health and the nation’s economy.
“To this end, we directed our officers to intensify surveillance in all the nooks and crannies of the state, having had credible intelligence on their impending activities.
“The Duty Paid Value of the seized items is one hundred and sixty four million, eight hundred and fifteen thousand, six hundred and twenty nine naira (₦164, 815,629).
“Gentlemen of the press, the focal point of this press briefing is on drugs so it may interest to know that the drug was valued at ninety four million, eight hundred and fifty four thousand, four hundred and nine naira (₦94, 854, 409).
“One suspect was arrested in connection with the smuggling of 50 parcels of cannabis sativa and would be handed over to NDLEA along with the items.
“On a sad note, while we continue to give smugglers of drugs and other harmful items a bloody nose; we unfortunately lost two of our fine and hard working officers in the line of duty.
“The sad event occured on 24th August 2023 at about 0128hrs, when they were working based on intelligence of impending smuggling of drugs along Bunza- Koko- Dakingari road. May their gentle souls rest in peace.
“This sad incident, although regrettable, will not deter us or dampen the morale of officers and men of the Command. We shall continue to double our effort and work in synergy with all the relevant agencies in order to stem the menace of drugs smuggling in the state.”
