27th August, 2023
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, reports that it has confiscated contraband worth N164.8 million in the state.
Ben Oramalugo, the Area Comptroller of the Nigerian Customs Service in the state, made this known to reporters on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital.
He stated that the command seized 371 parcels of Cannabis sativa, better known as Indian hemp, and 98 packs of diazepam.
The command also seized 10 sacks of snuff, 1080 pieces of donkey skin, 37 bags of foreign rice, 16 bales of second-hand apparel, 300 litres of Petroleum Motor Spirits, and a Toyota Corolla automobile.
While handing over the seized drugs to the state commandant of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, Usman Suleiman, the Customs State Coordinator, Oramalugo, stated that the seized items were worth N164,815,629.
“Recall that ten days ago, precisely on August 14, 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 commander, the seized drugs were valued at N94,854,409. He added 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.
“On a sad note, while we continue to give drug smugglers and other harmful items a bloody nose, we unfortunately lost two of our fine and hardworking officers in the line of duty.
“The sad event occurred on August 24th, 2023, at about 0128 hrs, when they were working based on intelligence about the impending smuggling of drugs along the Bunza-Koko-Dakingari road. May their gentle souls rest in peace,” he added.