COMPT GAMBO ALIYU, PROACTIVE, AUDACIOUS, INTERCEPTS N3.951 BILLION NARCOTICS; HANDS SAME WITH 3 SUSPECTS TO THE NDLEA
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
Assorted narcotics worth more than N3.9551 billion have been seized by the the flagship Federal Operations Unit (FOU) zone A Lagos between the month of May and August this year.
Controller of the unit, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu disclosed this today while handing over the drugs and other seizures to the National Drug law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the NESRA in Ikeja. He said this development underscores the fact that no single agency can effectively confront the complex nature of contemporary smuggling and trans-border criminality alone.
Aliyu stated that collaboration must continue through information sharing, joint operations, coordinated intelligence, capacity building and prompt transfer of items that fall within the jurisdiction of partner agencies. Three suspects in their custody in connection with the seizure were also handed to the NDLEA for further regulatory action.
According to him, today’s event is a practical demonstration of the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to national security, public health, environmental safety and the economic well-being of Nigerians. It also reflects the importance of Strategic Partnership in the fight against smuggling and other forms of transborder crime. The Psychotropic Substance being handed over today were intercepted and seized by the gallant officers and men of this unit during our sustained anti-smuggling operations along the along the boarder corridor , highways, and other strategic locations within our area of responsibility (AOR).
Their recent decisive enforcement action was deliberate against drugs trafficking syndicates in the Zone, and this effort led to the interceptions of the following:
a)5, 669 parcels, and 19 sacks of synthetic strain of cannabis sativa weighing 3,116.9KG,
b)31/2 packs of Grinded Cannabis (SKUNK) weighing 3.45kg,
c)2 packs of Granula Cannabis (SKUNK) weighing 1kg,
d)11 small packs of Granula Cannabis (SKUNK) weighing 0.35kg,
e)24 packets of backwoods Russian Cream Cigars weighing 0.5g,
f)49 wraps of Cannabis (SKUNK) weighing 26.1kg
g)1 wrap of Crystal Methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg are being formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and other necessary action in accordance with its statutory mandate.
Other items also being handed over include, 1,754 packs and 6, 948 sachet of 225mg, 100mg of Tramadol Tablets, 1200 Hypnox Tablets 1mg, and 97 bottles of Codeine Syrup.
He said the illicit movement of Cannabis Sativa and other controlled substances poses a serious threat to public health, national security and the future of our young people. Such substances fuel addiction, criminality, violence and other social problems.
He stated that the Nigeria Customs Service, through strengthening the integrity of the supply chain would continue to support the efforts of the NDLEA by disrupting the movement of narcotic drugs and illicit goods across Nigeria’s borders. We are equally committed to providing relevant information and supporting further investigation whenever necessary.The formal transfer of these items to the NDLEA will enable the Agency to conduct the appropriate forensic, investigative and prosecutorial processes in accordance with the law. It will also ensure that the seized narcotics are handled, stored and disposed of in a secure and professionally regulated manner.
He deposed that their vigilant officers also intercepted and seized (4) Cylinders of a Chemical weighting 34.5kg each confirmed to be high grade MERCURY that is used in small scale for illegal mining of GOLD. This item has dual purposes, it has significant environmental hazards and it is controlled by MINAMATA CONVENTION. The chemicals will be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) which is the appropriate environmental regulatory competence for further agency actions.
The Controller said that the seized narcotics has a street value of Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Fifty One Million, Eighty Five Thousand Naira Only (N3,951.085,000), and 3 suspects arrested in connection with the seizures will be handed along side with the narcotics substances.
According to him, this event underscores the fact that no single agency can effectively confront the complex nature of contemporary smuggling and trans-border criminality alone. Their collaboration must therefore continue through information sharing, joint operations, coordinated intelligence, capacity building and prompt transfer of items that fall within the jurisdiction of partner agencies.
He commends the leadership and personnel of the NDLEA and NESREA for their cooperation and professionalism. He also appreciates the support of all sister security and regulatory agencies whose contributions continue to strengthen our collective efforts. He reiterated that the Federal Operations Unit will not relent in its responsibilities. “We will continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies, enhanced surveillance, effective patrols and robust enforcement operations to disrupt the activities of smugglers and criminal networks.”
He said their men have continued to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and respect for the law in the discharge of their duties. They shall continue to facilitate legitimate trade while firmly preventing the movement of prohibited, harmful and improperly regulated goods. The fight against narcotics trafficking, environmental crimes and other forms of smuggling is a collective responsibility.
According to him, they remain committed to protecting Nigeria’s borders, safeguarding the lives and well-being of our citizens and supporting the enforcement of all laws governing the movement of goods into and out of the country.