Customs seize N57.6 Million cannabis in Kwara, thwart fuel smuggling attempt

T The Kwara Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Wednesday in Ilorin declared the seizure of a large consignment of cannabis sativa valued at about N57.6 million.
The command’s Area Controller, Comptroller Faith Ojeifo, told journalists the seizure was made on July 3 following credible intelligence around Baruten local government.
”It took place around the Yamboa axis of Bukuro in the Baruten Local Government Area. The cannabis was discovered in a DAF truck with registration number T-25750-LA, which the driver abandoned after realising that customs officers had detected the hidden contraband.
“Upon inspection, the truck was found to contain 1,153 parcels of cannabis sativa, concealed in fabricated compartments. The truck, valued at N21.5 million, will be forfeited to the Federal Government under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023,” he said.
He added that the command also intercepted 2,750 litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit of which the total Duty Paid Value is N550,000 meant to be smuggled out of the nation in the face of the biting fuel scarcity.
“It is lamentable that in spite of the current fuel scarcity in Nigeria, some individuals attempted to smuggle PMS out of the country,” he said.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling and other criminal activities across Nigeria’s borders.
Meanwhile, the seized cannabis has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further action.