Customs intercept 219 sacks of cannabis, ammunition in Ogun

Customs intercept 219 sacks of cannabis, ammunition in Ogun

Damilola Salawu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 219 sacks of cannabis sativa, 940 ammunition and other prohibited goods in Ogun.

The NCS controller of Ogun Area l, James Ojo while addressing a news conference in Abeokuta, said that the command’s enforcement activities had led to the significant seizure of 219 sacks and 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa, 940 rounds of live ammunition, 44,466 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 2,227 pieces of pneumatic foreign-used tires, 64 bales and 222 sacks of used clothes.

Other interceptions, he said, included 2,947 cartons of frozen poultry products, 7,015 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 21 units of vehicles, 3 units of motorcycles, and 115 pairs of used shoes with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N770,666,237.00.

“These seizures are not just numbers, but they represent our relentless fight against smuggling and our determination to protect the local economy, ensure public health and safety, and uphold the integrity of our borders,” he said.

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James, while highlighting the negative effects of prohibited goods on the citizens of Nigeria said “Cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp, is a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. It has a devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially our youths.

“The rise in its abuse is of great concern within Nigerian society and a threat to our national security, due to its potential influence on criminal activities, such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping, terrorism, and other criminal activities.”

He added that the interception of the prohibited items was a clear indication of the effectiveness of command intelligence-driven approach and the robust strategies put in place, saying this aligned with the Comptroller General’s emphasis on innovation, as Customs continued to employ advanced techniques and technologies to stay ahead of smugglers and other economic saboteurs.

Customs intercept 219 sacks of cannabis, ammunition in Ogun