A total of three Hundred and Seventeen (317) packages of compressed cannabis sativa also known as Marijuana have been intercepted by operatives attached to the Niger/Kogi Custom Command.
NigeriaCrime.com gathered seized substances wrapped and neatly packaged in nylons weighed 256.6 kilograms and worth N20.6 million in street value.
The Patrol teams of the Command made the headway along Abuja-Lokoja Highway recently.
Confirming the seizure, the Niger/Kogi Comptroller of Customs, Busayo Kadejo disclosed this while handing over the hard drugs to the Niger state Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Barrister Haruna Kwetishe at the Minna headquarters, Minna yesterday said if the illicit drugs had made its way to the society, it would have helped in the execution and sustenance of crimes in the state especially ahead, during and after the forthcoming general elections.
“This occasion has evoked a dual feeling of sadness and joy in my heart. First and foremost is the fact that some people are working tirelessly to build this nation while others are engaged in acts that are inimical to the development of the same country.
“However, I am glad that due to the diligent application of self to duty, our officials were able to intercept these illicit packages. If the packages had escaped our eyes, they would have helped in the execution and sustenance of crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, Thuggery and other social services especially now that the general elections are here,” he remarked.
He however made it known that the suspects are presently on the run but assured that they will be apprehended and made to face the Law immediately after they are arrested.
The Controller said the war against drug trafficking is not that of the Security alone but a joint effort by all Nigerians adding that the Customs on its part is determined to put the smugglers out of business.
“I strongly feel it is important that as the general elections are drawing closer, it is the responsibility of all and sundry to be alert and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.”
The Comptroller said that he had received the approval of the Comptroller General of the Customs to hand over the seized marijuana to the Niger state NDLEA adding that this shows the synergy that exists between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA.
Accepting the blocks of marijuana, the Niger state NDLEA Commander, Barrister Haruna Kwetishe commended the Customs for the great work it did in the seizure of the drugs adding that the seized drugs will never go back to society again but be destroyed.
The NDLEA Commander warned that any politician that is found to be giving out drugs or encouraging the use of drugs to youths during the political campaigns would be locked up until after the general elections.
“We assure the society that we will make Nigeria safe, particularly in this period where drugs are used to ginger thuggery. I want to warn politicians that anybody in Niger state that wants to use drugs in this political era should think twice as NDLEA is able and ready to run you down.
“We will arrest you and you may not even see the elections. We will keep you till after the elections”, he declared.