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Significant Substance Seizures Handed Over by Nigeria Customs to NDLEA
On the auspicious morning of Thursday, the esteemed Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, presided over a significant event in the nation’s capital, Abuja. The ceremony was marked by the solemn transfer of a considerable quantity of illicit substances, which had been intercepted and seized by the diligent efforts of the Customs Service, to the esteemed custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
During this formal handover ceremony, the Comptroller General, Mr. Adeniyi, articulated a profound statement underscoring the gravity of the situation. He emphatically declared a state of emergency against the rampant abuse of illicit substances, signaling a heightened level of cooperation and synergy with the NDLEA. This declaration was made in the presence of distinguished officials and representatives from both agencies, highlighting the collaborative efforts being undertaken to combat this scourge that plagues our society.
The Customs Service, under the vigilant leadership of Mr. Adeniyi, elaborated on the breadth and depth of its operations leading to these significant seizures. The substances were confiscated across several strategic locations and command zones under the vigilant surveillance of the Customs Service. These areas included the West Marine Command, an essential maritime gateway; Zone A, which encompasses the entire South-West region of the country; the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C in Ogun 1; and the FOU Zone B, which comprises a total of ten states in addition to the Federal Capital Territory.
The handover of these substances to the NDLEA marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to eradicate the circulation and abuse of illicit substances within the nation. The ceremony served not only as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to safeguarding the well-being of the nation but also as a beacon of hope in the relentless fight against the illegal substance menace. This collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is a shining example of the strength and effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in addressing issues of national and societal concern.
Nigeria Customs and NDLEA Collaborate in Major Substance Seizure Operation
During a meticulously organized press briefing, the esteemed Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, provided a detailed account of the significant seizures made by the agency. The comprehensive list of confiscated items was staggering in its volume and variety, underscoring the relentless vigilance of the Customs Service in its efforts to intercept the flow of illegal substances into the country.
Mr. Adeniyi detailed that the seizures encompassed an astonishing 14,340 kilograms of compressed Indian Hemp in various parcels, a substantial quantity that highlights the scale of the operation. Additionally, the Customs officers confiscated 660 packs of Tramadol, each containing 225mg, a potent and often misused medication. Furthermore, the seizure included 50 parcels of books, which were ingeniously used as a facade for smuggling operations. A total of 292 jumbo sacks were also intercepted, containing 1,461 compressed blocks of Indian Hemp. The operation further yielded 1,765 packs of Indian Hemp and 960 sacks, each weighing approximately 1kg. Additionally, the Customs Service seized 2,042 packets of a substance known as D5, among other various prohibited items.
During this extensive seizure exercise, the diligent efforts of the Customs officers led to the apprehension of five suspects, involved in these illicit activities. Of these, one individual was granted administrative bail under specific conditions, pending further investigation.
In a parallel statement, the venerable Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, representing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), expressed his profound commendation for the Customs Service’s exceptional efforts in these seizures. General Marwa, represented by Mr. Bashir Samuel Gadzama, the Director of Operations and General Investigation at the NDLEA, emphasized the direct correlation between the proliferation of illegal substances and the escalation of criminal activities within Nigeria.
Mr. Gadzama, speaking on behalf of General Marwa, articulated the NDLEA’s commitment to ensuring that these seized substances would be swiftly and securely destroyed. This prompt response holds paramount importance in averting the possible reintroduction of these deleterious substances into the fabric of society, consequently alleviating the hazards they may pose to public health and safety.
In his address, Mr. Gadzama underscored the exemplary nature of the collaboration between the Customs and NDLEA. He stated, “Customs and NDLEA are setting the pace for what interagency collaboration should be. For every crime and criminality in Nigeria today, substance plays a significant role. We will not only take over the exhibit, but if there is a lead, we are ready to investigate. We ensure that we immediately destroy them. We are not going to give room for its circulation into society.” This statement reaffirmed the agencies’ unwavering dedication to combating the substance menace and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.
