By Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Customs Service ( FOU) ‘Zone A’ has recorded a major success in its intelligence-driven operations. The command following an intelligence Swift made seizure of Tramadol and Hemp worth N1.5 billion. FOU Zone “A” continues to intensify efforts in to effectively deliver NCS statutory madness and the recent onslaught underscores the unit’s commitment to combating smuggling and enhancing national security through effective intelligence gathering and strategic operations.
This seizure highlights the customs service’s ongoing efforts to protect public health and safety while enforcing relevant laws and regulations. CAC of FOU Zone “A,” Comptroller, Mohammed Shuabu in his address to the press in Lagos disclosed that these spectacular seizures were made possible through credible intelligence and swift tactical action by his officers.“Our renewed efforts have significantly bolstered our strategies to secure Nigeria’s southwestern states’ borders against economic saboteurs. Within three weeks, this unit has inflicted substantial losses on these non-state actors through the interception of numerous illegal goods,” Shuaibu stated.
Among the seizures are 246 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, 82 packs of Tramadol with 10 sachets per pack, 290 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 15 illegally imported foreign used vehicles, 4,085 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg, 12 bales, and four sacks of used clothing materials.He revealed that four suspects were arrested concerning the various seizures, which have a Duty-Paid Value (DPV) of ₦ 1.51 billion.“ The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its efforts to combat smuggling, counterfeit products, and other illicit trade. These achievements testify to our unwavering dedication to protecting our economy and citizens. We will continue to collaborate with sister security agencies and border communities to dismantle the networks engaged in illicit activities”,
On revenue generation, Comptroller Shuaibu further disclosed that the unit generated ₦20,792,372.99 through demand notices and auction sales of seized perishable goods.In line with inter-agency cooperation, the seized Cannabis Sativa and Tramadol capsules were officially handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), respectively, for further investigation and prosecution.Receiving the cannabis on behalf of the NDLEA, Deputy Commander of Narcotics Abdul Maiyaki commended the collaboration between the two agencies and assured that thorough investigations would be conducted to identify and apprehend those responsible.
