Customs Seize Cannabis, Diazepam, Others Worth N168m In Kebbi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, says it has seized contraband worth N164.8 million in the state.

The Area Comptroller of the Nigerian Customs Service in the state, Ben Oramalugo, made this known while addressing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State capital on Saturday.

He said the command seized 371 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian Hemp and 98 packs of diazepam.

The seizure which was made within the last 10 days by the command also include 10 sacks of snuff, 1080 pieces of donkey skin, 37 bags of foreign rice, 16 bales of second-hand clothing, 300 litres of Petroleum Motor Spirits and Toyota Corolla car as means of conveyance.

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While handing over the seized drugs to the state commandant of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, Usman Suleiman, the Customs State Coordinator Oramalugo said he put the value of the seized items at one hundred and sixty four million, eight hundred and fifteen thousand, six hundred and twenty nine naira (₦164, 815,629).

“Recall that ten days ago, precisely on 14th August 2023, during our last press briefing, we made a vow that henceforth, there would be no breathing space for smugglers in Kebbi Command, especially those who smuggle drugs and other items injurious to our health and the nation’s economy. To this end, we directed our officers to intensify surveillance in all the nooks and crannies of the state, having had credible intelligence on their impending activities.”

According to the Zonal Comptroller, the seized drugs were valued at ninety four million, eight hundred and fifty four thousand, four hundred and nine naira (₦94, 854, 409), adding that one suspect was arrested in connection with the smuggling of 50 parcels of Cannabis Sativa and would be handed over to NDLEA along with the items.

He noted that “On a sad note, while we continue to give smugglers of drugs and other harmful items a bloody nose, we unfortunately lost two of our fine and hard working officers in the line of duty.

“The sad event occurred on 24th August 2023 at about 0128hrs, when they were working based on intelligence of impending smuggling of drugs along Bunza- Koko- Dakingari road. May their gentle souls rest in peace.”