Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kwara Command have intercepted a DAF truck containing 1,153 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (marijuana) hidden in fabricated compartments and other parts of the vehicle.
Speaking to journalists in Ilorin on Wednesday, the command’s Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Faith Ojeifo, reported that the truck was intercepted along the Yamboa Axis of Bukuro, under Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, around 5:00 p.m.
Comptroller Ojeifo stated that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized drugs is N57,668,448, and the truck’s registration number is T-25750-LA.
“Our officers conducted a search on the vehicle in accordance with Section 6 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
During the search, the driver abandoned the truck and fled into the bush upon realizing that our officers had uncovered the concealment. This action further aroused our operatives’ interest,” Ojeifo said.
The Customs Area Controller also noted that the DAF truck, valued at N21.5 million, would be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria as per Section 250 of the Customs Service Act 2023, which mandates the forfeiture of any conveyance used for concealing goods.
The seized items were handed over to the state commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Fatima Abiola-Popoola, who praised the Customs for their achievement.
Comptroller Ojeifo emphasized that the transfer of the items is part of fostering interagency collaboration in line with the policy of the NCS Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
He also reported that the Kwara Command generated N3.3 billion within two months, with the amount remitted to the federal government.
He expressed disappointment that smugglers continue to use modified vehicles and motorcycles to conceal and transport illegal goods.
“Despite the scarcity of PMS in the country, some individuals still attempt to smuggle this product out through our borders,” he added.
The command also seized 110 kegs of 2,750 liters of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) with a DPV of N550,000, which has been auctioned, and the proceeds remitted to the Federal Government.
Overall, Comptroller Ojeifo reported that the total DPV of seized items during the review period is N42.7 million. (Tribune)