The Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, Owerri, of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over a total of 151 wraps of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian Hemp with a total weight of 77,500 grammes and 15 wraps of Canadian Loud, which has a total weight of 8,600 grammes to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA.

Addressing stakeholders at the Unit’s headquarters in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Comptroller Bishir A. Balogun, disclosed that the seizure was made possible by a combination of intelligence gathering, vigilance and the unalloyed dedication of the officers and men of the Unit.

According to him, the seizure and the handover underscore the collective commitment of the law enforcement agencies to safeguard the country in terms of her security, health, and economic well-being.

He further assured that the Service under the watch of the Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, is committed to executing its core statutory mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade.

Comptroller Balogun further noted that the statutory responsibilities of the Service extend to supporting national security efforts by intercepting prohibited and dangerous substances that threaten the safety and moral fabric of the Nigerian nation.

It was gathered that the seizures were particularly made possible through the use credible intelligence and the diligence of the officers and men of the Unit, as the illicit substances were carefully concealed and transported in a manner intended to evade detection.

“This event underscores our collective commitment, as Law Enforcement Agencies, to safeguarding the security, health, and economic well-being of our great nation.

“The seizure we are handing over today was made possible through the vigilance, intelligence, and dedication of our officers and men, who intercepted the illicit substance during one of our routine patrol operations within the Zone. The contraband was carefully concealed and transported in a manner intended to evade detection, but our officers, acting on credible intelligence and in line with our operational mandate, were able to intercept and secure it.

“The Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, remains steadfast in executing its statutory responsibilities- revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade. However, our role also extends to supporting national security efforts by intercepting prohibited and dangerous substances that threaten the safety and moral fabric of our society.

“The handing over of these 151 wraps of Cannabis Sativa (77,500g) and 15 wraps of Canadian Loud (8,600g) to the NDLEA today reflects the spirit of inter-agency cooperation that the Federal Government continues to encourage. The NDLEA remains the competent authority in handling drug related matters, and we are proud to work in synergy with them to ensure that justice is served and that such harmful substances are removed from circulation”, Comptroller Balogun said.

He thanked the Comptroller General of Customs and the management for the wonderful support being extended to the Unit. He pledged to continue to uplift the image of the Service.

He also commended the officers and men of the FOU, Zone C, for their diligence and professionalism, adding that their tireless efforts continue to make the Unit a formidable force in the fight against smuggling and other criminal activities. He further appreciated other sister agencies; particularly, the NDLEA for its partnership and shared sense of purpose in building a safer Nigeria.

“To the general public, let me reiterate that the Nigeria Customs Service will not relent in its efforts to protect the nation’s borders and ensure that our communities are safe from the devastating effects of illicit trade and drug trafficking. We urge all Nigerians to continue to provide useful information to support our enforcement operations.

“On this note, I, Comptroller Bishir A. Balogun, Controller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, Owerri, formally hand over the 151 wraps of Cannabis Sativa (77,500g) and also 15 wraps of Canadian Loud (8,600g), to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action”, the Comptroller said.