FOU Intercept Cannabis Sativa In Lagos
With Duty Paid Value of over N400m
in continuations of its onslaught and unrelenting efforts at mauling smugglers, the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has again intercepted and seized 9,857 parcels (5,338kg) of Cannabis Sativa which could have entered Nigeria from Ghana through the creeks around Ajah area of Lagos.
Addressing news men in Lagos, acting Controller of the Unit, Hussein Ejibunu revealed that upon investigation, the Cannabis Sativa was found to have a Duty Paid Value of over N400m.
According to Ag Controller Hussein Ejibunu, “In our continued quest to enforce Customs laws, and fight against the activities of saboteurs that attempt to undermine and weaken the nation’s economy and its viability, this Unit in May 2023, intercepted some smuggled items for contravening various sections of our laws as part of our resolve to protect the well-being of citizens.
“Some of the wares were intercepted for either violating the guidelines on the importation/exportation of goods, concealment, undervaluation, wrong classification and smuggling.
“Others were seized for contravening policy directives as it is in the case of foreign parboiled rice.
“Detentions and seizures recorded within the period under review amounted to 79 seizures, with a total duty paid value of N1,025,905,110 are products of surveillance, intelligence gathering and regular patrols. These were intercepted at different times and locations within border corridors of the South-West Zone.
“Four suspects were arrested in connection with some of the intercepted goods.
“On revenue, the sum of N38, 355, 362.88 was generated through conscious and thorough documentary checks, followed by the issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have paid lesser amounts than the appropriate customs duty.
“Consequent to the social effect of cannabis sativa on the youths, it becomes very worrisome that a total of 9,857 parcels were seized in a single swoop.
