Marijuana worth N20.6m intercepted by Customs

stomsThe Nigerian Customs Service has intercepted 317 packages of cannabis sativa also known as Marijuana worth N20.6 million.

This was revealed by the Niger/Kogi Comptroller Busayo Kadejo when he handed over the hard drugs to the Niger state Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Haruna Kwetishe, in Minna on Tuesday.

He stated that the marijuana which weighed 253.6 kilogram was seized along the Abuja-Lokoja highway adding that if the drugs had made its way to the society, it would have increased the crime rate in the society.

“This occasion has evoked a dual feeling and sadness and joy in my heart. First and foremost is the fact that some people are working tirelessly to build this nation while others are engaged in acts that are inimical to the development of the same country.

“I am glad that due to the diligent application of self to duty, our officials were able to intercept these illicit packages. If the packages had escaped our eyes, they would have helped in the execution and substenance of crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, Thuggery and other social services.”

The commander also stated that the culprits were on the run as they escaped as soon as their vehicle was stopped by the customs officials.

He called members of the society to be alert and report suspicious activities adding that it is the responsibility of every Nigerian to do so.

“I strongly feel it is important that as the general elections are drawing closer, it is the responsibility of all and sundry to be at alert and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies,” he said.

The Comptroller said that he had received the approval of the Comptroller General of the Customs to hand over the seized marijuana to the Niger state NDLEA adding that this shows the synergy that exists between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA.

Accepting the blocks of marijuana, the Niger state NDLEA Commander, Barrister Haruna Kwetishe, commended the Customs for the great work it did in the seizure of the drugs adding that the seized drugs will be destroyed.

“What the Customs has done is a clear case of synergy between the security agencies. It is a great job that the Customs have done. It has reassured us that Nigeria as a country is a project for everybody not necessarily for the security agencies. Anyone with information should call our attention to it and it will save lives,” he said.