CUSTOMS FOU ZONE A SEIZES N3.95 B NARCOTICS, MERCURY, HANDS OVER TO NDLEA, NESREA
Customs FOU Zone A Seizes N3.95bn Narcotics, Mercury, Hands Over to NDLEA, NESREA
By Babatunde Aremu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, has intercepted narcotics, pharmaceutical products and hazardous substances with an estimated street value of N3.95 billion in the Southwest.
The seized items were on Thursday handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further investigation, prosecution and appropriate disposal.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the FOU Zone ‘A’ headquarters on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, the Comptroller of the Unit, Gambo Aliyu, said the seizures were recorded through sustained intelligence-driven operations along border corridors, highways and identified smuggling flashpoints across the Southwest.
Among the items intercepted were 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks of synthetic Cannabis Sativa weighing 3,116.9kg; one wrap of Crystal Methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg; 49 wraps of Cannabis ‘Skunk’ weighing 26.1kg; three-and-a-half packs of ground Skunk weighing 3.45kg; and other cannabis products weighing 1.35kg.
The unit also seized 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of Tramadol tablets of 225mg and 100mg strengths, 1,200 Hypnox tablets, 97 bottles of Codeine syrup and 24 packets of Backwoods Russian Cream Cigars.
In addition, Customs intercepted four cylinders of high-grade mercury, each weighing 34.5kg.
Aliyu said the mercury, which is commonly associated with illegal small-scale gold mining, poses significant environmental and health risks and would therefore be transferred to NESREA for proper handling and disposal.
Three suspects arrested in connection with the seizures were also handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The FOU Zone ‘A’ Comptroller said the seizures reflected the Service’s renewed determination to disrupt the supply chains of illicit drugs and other prohibited goods capable of threatening public health and national security.
He said drug trafficking fuels addiction, criminality and violence, stressing that combating trans-border crime requires stronger collaboration among relevant security and regulatory agencies.
According to him, intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated enforcement remain critical to effectively tackling smuggling and other forms of trans-border crime.
Aliyu assured that FOU Zone ‘A’ would continue its 24-hour surveillance, patrols and intelligence-led operations while ensuring that legitimate trade is facilitated.
He described the handover as further evidence of the Customs Service’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders, safeguarding public health, preserving the environment and enhancing national security.
