Crime

Customs Intercepts 1,153 Parcels of Cannabis Worth N57M in Kwara

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 28th, 2024.

Customs Intercepts 1,153 Parcels of Cannabis Worth N57M in Kwara

The Nigeria Customs Service’s Kwara State Command has seized 1,153 parcels of cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana, valued at over N57 million. The confiscation took place in Bukuro, Baruten Local Government Area, a border community between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

The contraband was discovered during the interception of a truck in the region. Customs Area Controller for Kwara State, Comptroller Faith Ojeifo, reported this development to the media on Wednesday. He explained that the cannabis was hidden in specially designed compartments within the vehicle. The truck, a DAF model worth N21.5 million, will be forfeited to the federal government under Section 250 of the Customs Service Act, 2023.

Ojeifo attributed this success to actionable intelligence and stringent enforcement measures, noting that recent smuggling trends have prompted smugglers to use modified vehicles and motorcycles. The seized cannabis has been transferred to the Kwara State commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs. Fatima Abiola-Popoola.