By Shola Fadeyi
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) , Zone ‘A’ of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), has handed over 6,488kg of Cannabis Sativa , otherwise known as Indian hemp , which street value is about N519 million, and which it impounded and four suspects, connected with the seizure, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA).
The step is in adherence to the directive of the Comptroller General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi and the working relationship and the inter agency cooperation between the Customs and the NDLEA, meant to combat the menace of illicit drugs in the Nigerian society.
While handing over the seizures and the suspects to the representative of the NDLEA , at the Ikeja , Lagos office of the FOU ‘A’,on September 23, 2024, the Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Kola Oladeji cautioned the youths and traders who are involved in the distribution and sale of illicit drugs like Cannabis Sativa .
Oladeji stated that , they are not only putting their lives at risk but also jeopardizing the safety and security of the Nigerian society as a whole.
He said this is why all Nigerians must take a strong stand against the trade in illicit drugs and work towards creating a drug-free environment for the present and future generations
The Controller appealed to the public to join the Customs in advocating against the trade in illicit drugs, adding that there is a need to raise the bar concerning the awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and also support the law enforcement agents who are combating drug trafficking.
According to him, “We can collectively make a significant impact in reducing the availability of illicit substances in our communities.I urge you to continue to work together as a team towards achieving a healthier and safer society for all”.
He pointed out that trading and distribution of illicit drugs such as Cannabis Sativa poses a grave danger to our communities, adding that these substances do not only have detrimental effects on the individual’s health and well-being but ,also contribute to social problems such as crime and violence.
Oladeji stated that the negative impact of these drugs calls for the need to work together for the reduction and the possible elimination of the presence of such substances in the nation’s communities.
