Lagos, Nigeria
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 51.25 kilograms of cannabis indica, valued at N256 million, at the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) in Lagos. The announcement was made on Thursday by Joy Edeldouk, Customs Area Controller of the KLT Command, during the handover of the seized drugs to officers of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to Edeldouk, the operation took place on September 11, 2024, in line with the collaborative efforts of Customs officers and the NDLEA to safeguard Nigeria’s borders from the importation of illicit substances. The consignment, which violated the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023, Section 55, sub-sections 1C and 1F, was intercepted before it could enter the market.
“In line with the CGC’s policy thrust of collaboration, consolidation, and innovation, our vigilant officers intercepted a consignment of cannabis indica weighing 51.25 kg, valued at N256 million,” Edeldouk said in her statement. She further emphasized the harmful impact of such drugs on individuals, families, and society at large, noting that substances like cannabis indica often fuel crime and violence.
By intercepting these drugs, the Customs Service is taking a proactive approach to protecting the country’s youth, who are most vulnerable to the allure of harmful substances. Edeldouk stressed the importance of this seizure in ensuring a safer future for Nigerian communities.
The seized drugs, along with the suspects, have been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution. Edeldouk assured that the suspects would face the full weight of the law and issued a stern warning to any importers contemplating smuggling illicit drugs into the country.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains unwavering in its duty to protect the integrity of our borders. We will not hesitate to bring those involved in illegal importation to justice,” she warned.
She also reiterated the NCS’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while maintaining strict enforcement against illegal activities, promising to intensify efforts in collaboration with other agencies to rid the country of dangerous contraband.
“For legitimate traders, we ensure smooth trade facilitation, but for those seeking to engage in illegal activities, our message is simple: there is no room for criminality in the NCS. Anyone who dares to breach the law will be caught and prosecuted to the full extent,” she concluded.