By Our Reporters
The Nigeria Customs Service, Niger/ Kogi Area command, said it has intercepted 283 wraps of cannabis sativa (marijuana) valued at N5.66 million, and nine exotic cars worth N170.16 million.
Customs Area Controller (CAC), of the command, Comptroller Pascal Chibuoke, disclosed this during a media briefing in Minna, Niger State, on Monday.
He said that the seizure was made possible based on credible intelligence.
“On Saturday, 29 May 2024, the Kogi outstation patrol team, based on an intelligence report, intercepted one used Honda Accord with registration number FKJ 878 DJ, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of five million, four hundred and forty-four thousand, four hundred and sixty naira (N5,444,460), along Lokoja-Abuja expressway, on the suspicion that it was conveying prohibited items.”
“While the search was ongoing, the driver, realizing that the eagle eyes of our officers had discovered the concealment, abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush to evade arrest. This action by the driver triggered the interest of our operatives. Upon searching the vehicle, 283 wraps of cannabis sativa (marijuana) were found, with an estimated DPV of five million, six hundred and sixty thousand naira (N5,660,000).”
In the area of anti-smuggling, the Area Controller noted that the command had recorded the seizure of nine units of exotic cars and other vehicles of different makes, with a DPV of one hundred and seventy million, one hundred and sixty thousand, two hundred and sixty-seven naira (N170,160,267).
“Other seizures recorded at various places within our area of responsibility include 104 jerry cans of premium motor spirit (PMS), with a duty paid value of four hundred and sixteen thousand naira (N416,000). These have already been auctioned due to their inflammable nature, after approval was granted by the CGC. The money realized was remitted into the Federal Government’s coffers,” he noted.
He warned those involved in the illicit drug trade that the Command will continue to work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to disrupt their activities.
Comptroller Chibuoke praised his officers’ doggedness and sacrifice, promising to reward exceptional performance.
“I also want to use this medium to warn smugglers that in Niger/Kogi, it will no longer be business as usual. I urge you to find other legitimate businesses because, wherever you hide, my officers will find you and bring you to justice,” he cautioned.
The state commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Niger State Command, Commander Shehu Gwadabawa, thanked Nigeria Customs Service for their continued cooperation. He assured him that the long-standing synergy between the two agencies will be maintained for the benefit of the state in particular, and Nigeria in general.
