The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service,on Thursday, Adewale Adeniyi, handed over seized illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In collaboration with the NDLEA, the agency declared an emergency against drug abuse and urged Nigerians to stand against the menace of illicit drugs.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, revealed that five suspects were arrested. One was granted administrative bail, while the other four were handed over to the NDLEA.
The seized items handed over to the NDLEA included 13,567 parcels of Cannabis Sativa totaling 7,461 kg from FOU Zone A, and 1,511 parcels and 292 bags of Indian Hemp, 2,409 packets, and 8,700 unregistered sachets of Tramadol from FOU Zone B.
Additionally, FOU Zone C contributed 3,213 parcels/blocks and 935 sacks of Cannabis Sativa; Ogun 1 Area Command seized 2,223 wraps and 144 sacks of Cannabis Sativa weighing 3,312.7 kg, and the Western Marine Command confiscated 1,205 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 624 kg and 109 packs of 6 pieces by 10 sachets of Tramadol.
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Adeniyi assured Nigerians that those involved in any illicit trade would be brought to justice, emphasizing the need for a united front against illicit drugs.
He highlighted the role of communities as key partners in achieving a drug-free nation.
“It is not just a responsibility of law enforcement agencies; it is a collective duty of every citizen. By partnering with Customs and NDLEA, the communities become the first line of defense against the menace of illicit drugs.
“Today, we emphasize the critical need for synergy between the NigeriaCustoms Service and the NDLEA. Together, we form an unyielding front against drug traffickers and their nefarious activities.
“Our collaboration extends beyond this handover; it is a commitment to ongoing cooperation in intelligence sharing, joint operations, and policy alignment. The battle is not for Customs or NDLEA alone; it is a battle for a safer Nigeria, and we stand united.”
While receiving the items, NDLEA Chairman Gen. Buba Marwa (retd) commended the collaboration between NDLEA and Customs, setting the pace for inter-agency cooperation.
Marwa assured the immediate destruction of the seized drugs to prevent any possibility of circulation, emphasizing NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes in Nigeria.
