By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
Four suspected drug traffickers have been apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Command with substance suspected to be cannabis sativa said to have worth N10 million.
Two out of the suspects were learnt to the personnel of one of security agencies in the country.
Our correspondent gathered that the suspects were intercepted along the Abdijan-Lagos corridor in a Ford bus marked, EPE 622YC at Gbatrome, Badagry by operatives while on patrol of the area.
The substances were concealed in seven large sacks, containing 553 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian Hemp loaded in the bus.
The Seme Command Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Hussaini, who made the disclosure in a release, however failed to reveal the identity of the uniform personnel arrested in connection with the narcotics.
Abdullahi stated that they have been handed over to the sister security agency for further necessary action.
He hinted that a preliminary investigation following the questioning of the suspects revealed that the Indian hemp was destined for Kaduna State.
The release reads, ” On the 21 April 2023 at about 0403 hours, officers of Seme Command of Nigeria Customs Service while on routine patrol along the Abidjan – Lagos Corridor intercepted a Ford Bus with registration number EPE 622 YC at Gbatrome, Badagry.
” Upon search of the bus, seven large sacks containing five hundred and fifty-three (553) parcels of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian Hemp, were discovered. Four male occupants of the vehicle comprising two civilians and two members of one of the sister security agencies conveying the contraband items were arrested.
” The contraband narcotics valued at about Ten (10) million Naira and the means of conveyance were taken to the station at Seme and detained pending further investigations.
” Also taken to the station are the four male suspects who have volunteered statements.
” However, the two members of one of the sister security agencies were handed over to their agency for further necessary action. A preliminary investigation following the questioning of the suspects revealed that the Indian hemp was destined for Kaduna State.
” The Area Controller of the Command Comptroller Dera Nnadi, mni, has condemned this nefarious means of earning a living by some members of the society who have no consideration for the damaging effects of hard drugs which contribute to crime in the country.
” He enjoined members of the society who traverse the Seme Corridor to take advantage of the trade facilitation effort of the Nigeria Customs Service and engage in a legitimate business.
” Meanwhile, the Customs Area Controller Seme Command and Chairman of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, mni wishes all stakeholders and officers and men of Nigeria Customs Service and sister border agencies along the corridor to remain vigilant during the Sallah celebration as smugglers may wish to take advantage the public holidays to engage in their reprehensible acts.
” He also urged them to ensure that all facilities and critical government infrastructures in their Area of responsibility are protected during this period as always.”.
