COMPT BALOGUN DECLARES WAR ON DRUG SMUGGLERS; INTERCEPTS 86,100 GRAMS OF CANNABIS SATIVA & CANADIAN LOUD WORTH MILLIONS OF NAIRA
No less than 86,100 grams of cannabis sativa, otherwise known as Indian hemp as well as several wraps of Canadian loud worth millions of naira have been intercepted by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) zone ‘C’ in Owerri under the distinguished leadership of Comptroller BA Balogun.
In a function in Owerri yesterday to hand over the drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) , Compt Balogun stated that the event ‘underscores our collective commitment, as law enforcement agencies to safeguarding the security, health, and economic well-being of our great nation’
He disclosed that the seizure being handed over was was made possible through the vigilance, intelligence and dedication of their officers and men who intercepted the illicit substance during one of their routine patrol operations within the zone.
Compt Balogun disclosed that the contraband was carefully concealed and transported ‘in a manner intended to evade detection, but our officers, acting on credible intelligence and in line with our operational mandate, intercepted and secured it’s
The Anti-smuggling Czar noted that under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the customs service remains steadfast in executing its statutory responsibilities in areas of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade.
According to him, the service’s roles to supporting national security efforts by intercepting prohibited and dangerous substances that threaten the safety and moral fabric of our society.
“The handing over of these 151 wraps of Cannabis Sativa (77,500g) and 15 wraps of Canadian Loud (8,600g) to the NDLEA today reflects the spirit of inter-agency cooperation that the Federal Government continues to encourage. The NDLEA remains the competent authority in handling drug related matters, and we are proud to work in synergy with them to ensure that justice is served and that such harmful substances are removed from circulation”.
“Let me therefore thank and appreciate the Comptroller General of Customs and His Management for the wonderful support being extended to the Unit. We pledge to continue to uplift the image of the Service.”
“In the same vein, let me commend the officers of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, for their diligence and professionalism. Your tireless efforts continue to make this Command a formidable force in the fight against smuggling and other criminal activities. I also extend appreciation to our sister agencies- particularly, the NDLEA- for their partnership and shared
sense of purpose in building a safer Nigeria.”
“To the general public, let me reiterate that the Nigeria Customs Service will not relent in its efforts to protect the nation’s borders and ensure that our communities are safe from the devastating effects of illicit trade and drug
trafficking. We urge all Nigerians to continue to provide useful information to support our enforcement operations.”
“On this note, I, Comptroller Bishir A. Balogun, Controller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, Owerri, formally hand over the 151 wraps of Cannabis Sativa (77,500g) and also 15 wraps of Canadian Loud (8,600g), to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further
investigation and necessary action.”