Officers of the Seme Command of Nigeria Customs Service have intercepted a Ford Bus with registration number EPE 622 YC carrying cannabis sativa at Gbatrome, Badagry while on routine patrol along the Abidjan – Lagos Corridor, on the 21st ofApril 2023.
The Public Relations Officer of the command, Abdullahi Hussaini, a Superintendent of Customs, who made this known in a press statement, said that seven large sacks containing five hundred and fifty-three (553) parcels of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian Hemp, were discovered. He further stated that this interception was found with 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 statement goes further to say that the 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 were 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 Area Controller of the Command Comptroller Dera Nnadi, mni, in condemning 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, also enjoined members of the society who traverse the Seme Corridor to take advantage of the trade facilitation effort of the Nigeria Customs Service to engage in legitimate businesses.
Meanwhile, the Customs Area Controller Seme Command and Chairman of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, mni used the opportunity of the press statement to call on stakeholders and officers and men of Nigeria Customs Service and sister border agencies along the corridor, to remain vigilant during the Sallah celebrations 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.
