The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, has handed over narcotic drugs and pharmaceutical products worth N3.95 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for investigation and prosecution.
The items, intercepted during anti-smuggling operations along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within the zone, included 3,116.9kg of synthetic strain of cannabis sativa in 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks.
Also seized were cannabis, including 3.45kg of grinded cannabis (Skunk), 1kg and 0.35kg of granulated cannabis, as well as 26.1kg of cannabis in 49 wraps.
Customs also intercepted a wrap of crystal methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg and 24 packets of Backwoods Russian Cream cigars.
The Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Gambo Aliyu, who made this known during the handover of the items, said the seizures were part of sustained operations against drug trafficking syndicates and other smuggling networks operating within the zone.
Operatives of the Edo State Command of the NDLEA have arrested 68 suspected drug traffickers with 7,531.51kg of narcotic drugs last year.
The suspects were said to have been arrested in various parts of the state through intelligence-led operations
Edo Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, in a statement, said the scorecard was a reflection of the commitment in the NDLEA mission to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse in the state.
Aliyu said three suspects arrested in connection with the seizures would also be handed over to the NDLEA alongside the narcotics.
Aliyu said the seizure of the drugs was necessary because the illegal movement of controlled substances posed a threat to public health and national security.
He said the Customs Service would continue to work with the NDLEA to disrupt the movement of narcotics and other illicit goods through the country’s borders.
“The formal transfer of these items to the NDLEA will enable the agency to conduct the appropriate forensic, investigative and prosecutorial processes in accordance with the law,” he said.
In a separate seizure, Customs intercepted four cylinders of high-grade mercury, each weighing 34.5kg, allegedly intended for use in illegal gold mining.
Aliyu said the mercury, which has environmental and health implications, would be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further action.
He said the seizures demonstrated the need for continued cooperation among security and regulatory agencies, particularly through intelligence sharing, joint operations and prompt transfer of seized items to agencies with the statutory mandate to handle them.
Mitchell said enforcement officers identified and destroyed four cannabis farms in Orhionmwon and Owan West local government areas.
He said three news cases were charged to court while 87 others were still pending.
He said: “We are unwavering in our commitment to tackling the drug problem in Edo State. Our recent operations showcase our dedication to flushing out drugs from our communities and apprehending those who wish to profit from the suffering of others.
“We will continue to collaborate with community leaders, media organisations, and law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and health of our citizens.
“The command has broadened its community outreach initiatives. The Counselling and Treatment Rehabilitation (CTR) and Prevention Sensitisation (PS) units have been actively engaged in addressing the social repercussions of substance abuse by providing counselling to 23 clients and enrolling 12 individuals in vocational training programmes, including tailoring, perfume making, and liquid soap production.”
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