Adeniyi: Illicit Importation Dangerous for Economy, Public Health

James Emejo in Abuja

The Acting Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, yesterday said the service remained committed to ridding the country of illicit and harmful trade.

He said the harmful effects of illicit importation on the youths, particularly drugs, cannot be overemphasised.

He stressed that it poses significant challenge to public health and safety and put the social and economic development at risks.

Speaking while showcasing seizures of some items suspected to be Cannabis Sativa at Ogun II Area Command recently, he emphasised the recent efforts and unwavering commitment of officers in intercepting cannabis sativa within Zone A of customs.

Adeniyi, gave details of the seizures to include 14,015 parcels of Cannabis Sativa by officers of FOU Zone A, weighting 7,728 Kg, and translating to a Duty Paid Value    of NGN 618,240,000 discharged from a boat at the creeks around Ajah and Ijebu-ode area.

He added that three suspects and other items were handed over to NDLEA on August 2,  2023, and currently undergoing investigations.

In a statement issued by customs spokesman, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, Adeniyi was quoted to have said, “On Thursday, 3 August 2023, at about 0400hrs, a joint patrol team comprising of officers of Western Marine Command intercepted a wooden boat with 2 Yamaha outboard engines (40 Horsepower), each containing 103 sacks containing 8,240 loaves of substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, weighing 3,811KG at a DPV of NGN 32,193,000.

“On Monday 7 August 2023 at about 0315hrs, credible intelligence led to the Seizure of 2,940 parcels of Cannabis Sativa around Sokoto/ijoun road, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.”

“The items were ingeniously concealed with a heap of pineapple fruits loaded in an unregistered white Fiat bus with chassis number 2FA23000006141966,” he noted.

He disclosed that two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.

“Two Suspects one, Mr. Akeem Olatunde – a driver and Mr. Abdul Nurudeen Adedeji – A passenger, have been arrested and taken into custody pending

further investigation,” he stated. 

He reassured the citizenry that the service remains steadfast in delivering on its statutory mandate.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains steadfast in delivering on its statutory mandates and

protecting our beloved nation from the scourge of illicit drugs.

 “We assure the public that details of our investigations will be made available to ensure transparency and accountability.”