Ogun Customs intercepts 1.8 ton of Cannabis

By ZION Olalekan

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area Command, has intercepted 1.8 ton of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa along Imeko/Ilara axis of Imeko-Afon Local Government, Ogun State.

The substances were packed in various sizes of 176 sacks, 120 book-size packs and 21 coconut-size packs.

According to the agency, the seized substances were suspected to have been smuggled into Nigeria from a neighbouring country.

The Ogun Area Command Comptroller, Michael Agbara, disclosed this while handing over the Cannabis to the State Commander of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ishaku Kwajafa at the command in Abeokuta.

Agbara said the Command had got information that some vehicles laden with rice were packed along Imeko/Ilara axis but when the operatives stormed the scene, it was discovered that the vehicles were carrying Cannabis.

According to him, no arrest was made because only the vehicles and the cannabis were met at the scene.

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 ton.

“We are handing it over to the NDLEA as part of the synergy we have with the agency in Ogun State.

“We are all sister agencies working together. We form a synergy to advance the interest of the country.

“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 NDLEA sees anything of our (Customs) interest, the agency will handover.

“That is why we are doing all that we can to rid Ogun State of all substances that are used by criminals or men of the underworld to undermine the security of the nation.”

In his response, Kwajafa vowed to go after the owners of the substances and ensure they are brought to book.

He disclosed that the 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 exhibits, we are going to conduct thorough investigation and we will make sure we trace the owners. The suspects have similar trend,” Kwajafa said.