Officers of Seme Command of Nigeria Customs Service have busted up a plan to use the Sallah holidays to ferry seven large sacks containing 553 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian Hemp in the early hours of Friday, the Eid- El- Fitr day.
The Customs officers were said to be on routine patrol along the Abidjan – Lagos Corridor when they intercepted a Ford Bus with registration number EPE 622 YC at Gbatrome, Badagry.
A press statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Abdullahi Hussaini, stated that after searching the bus, the seven sacks of Cannabis Sativa were discovered.
The statement added that four male occupants of the vehicle comprising two civilians and two members of one of the sister security agencies conveying the contraband items were arrested.
“The contraband narcotics valued at about Ten (10) million Naira and the means of conveyance were taken to the station at Seme and detained pending further investigations. Also taken to the station are the four male suspects who have volunteered statements. “However, the two members of one of the sister security agencies were handed over to their agency for further necessary action. A preliminary investigation following the questioning of the suspects revealed that the Indian hemp was destined for Kaduna State,” the statement further disclosed.
According to the statement, the Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, condemned this nefarious means of earning a living by some members of the society who have no consideration for the damaging effects of hard drugs which contribute to crime in the country.
Compt. Nnadi enjoined members of the society who traverse the Seme Corridor to take advantage of the trade facilitation effort of the Nigeria Customs Service and engage in a legitimate business.
Meanwhile, the Customs Area Controller who doubles as the Chairman of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post urged all stakeholders and officers and men of Nigeria Customs Service and sister border agencies along the corridor to remain vigilant during the Sallah celebration as smugglers may wish to take advantage of the public holidays to engage in their reprehensible acts.
He also directed them to ensure that all facilities and critical government infrastructures in their Area of responsibility are protected during this period as always.