Kaduna Interception: Customs Seize Cannabis and Contraband Worth Over N268 Million

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has delivered a significant blow to smugglers in the North-West, announcing the interception of contraband goods with a total value of over ₦268.5 million. The seizures were made by operatives of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’, with its administrative headquarters in Kaduna.

According to a statement issued by the Unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Saidu Nuruddeen, the major breakthrough occurred on August 21 following a tip-off. Acting on intelligence, operatives stopped a vehicle along the Zaria flyover on the Kaduna-Zaria Expressway and discovered a concealed stash of illicit drugs. The search yielded 185 compressed blocks of Cannabis Sativa, with a street value estimated at ₦48,562,500. A male suspect was apprehended in connection with the seizure and immediately transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further legal action.

In a separate but related operation, the unit also confiscated a variety of goods that were illegally brought into the country, with a combined duty paid value (DPV) of ₦220,457,336.48. The seized items included 456 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 8,100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 178 bales of second-hand clothes, 225 cartons of spaghetti, and a striking seizure of 37 electric shockers (tasers), which pose a significant security risk.

The Comptroller of the Unit, Mr. Aliyu Alkali, commended the diligence and professionalism of his officers. He reiterated the unit’s unwavering commitment to combating smuggling and illegal trade in all forms. “These seizures are part of our ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s economy and safeguard national security from criminal elements,” Alkali said in the statement. He also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his continuous support and guidance.

The success of these operations highlights the crucial role of intelligence-driven enforcement and inter-agency collaboration in the fight against smuggling. It also serves as a stern warning to smugglers that the Nigerian Customs Service remains vigilant in its duty to curb the inflow of uncustomed goods and protect the public from dangerous and illicit items.