Customs seizes 1,000 parcels of cannabis in hidden truck stash

Customs successfully seized over 1,000 parcels of cannabis hidden in a truck. Get the full story on this high-stakes drug interception.

In Kwara State, the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) achieved a remarkable accomplishment by discovering 1,153 packages of Cannabis Sativa (commonly known as Marijuana), which had been cleverly hidden inside specially constructed spaces within a truck.

Customs agents halted a Daf truck with license plate T-25750-LA along the Yamboa stretch of Bukuro in Baruten Local Government Area.

On Wednesday, when the seized items were officially handed over to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Customs Area Controller Faith Matthew Ojeifo described the vehicle as a “marvelous truck.” He disclosed that in an attempt to avoid being caught, the truck driver deserted it and vanished into the woods, which further aroused suspicion among operatives.

Ojeifo said that the truck was promptly taken to the Command Headquarters in Ilorin, where a comprehensive physical examination revealed the concealed contraband.

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The drugs that were confiscated hold a Duty Paid Value (DPV) worth N57,668,448. Additionally, the truck which is estimated at N21.5 million will be relinquished to the Federal Government as part of forfeiture measures.

Expressing concern, Ojeifo stated that smugglers are willing to go to extreme lengths and will stop at nothing in order to continue their illegal activities.

He elaborated that these lawbreakers have become skilled at exploiting altered cars and bikes for illicit product transportation. They even resort to creating fake compartments in trucks, hiding hazardous narcotics within false floors or bodies.

Ojeifo disclosed that in the review period, besides a significant seizure, the command impounded roughly 2,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) stored in about 110 jerry cans worth N550,000. The overall Duty Paid Value for all seized items stood at N42,702,650.00.

In addition, the command yielded an impressive total revenue of N13,398,447,613.51 from January to July as it generated a sum of N3,371,866918.88 between June and July.

Ayoola Popoola Fatimah, the Commander of NDLEA in Kwara stressed the potential danger that these drugs could have inflicted on society. She further stated that if they had entered into circulation, it would only exacerbate a pre-existing worrisome statistic of over 14 million people who are already affected by drug use.

She pledged that the NDLEA would collaborate closely with customs to apprehend those accountable for this offense, emphasizing that such people have no place in society.