Customs Seizes 1,400kg of Indian Hemp, Hands Over Suspects to NDLEA

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 1,400 kilograms of Indian hemp—valued at an estimated ₦112 million.

The seizure was made in the course of a routine patrol based on actionable intelligence, and the suspects were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for prosecution.

The operation was undertaken by a tactical team according to Customs officials, which intercepted the illicit shipment concealed in a truck while attempting to evade detection. The swift reaction of the agents led to the arrest of various suspects, suspected to be agents of a cross-state drug trade network.

The drugs had been carefully packaged and hidden in a manner suggesting that this was a well-structured smuggling operation,” the Customs spokesperson said. “Thanks to intelligence sharing and monitoring, we managed to intercept the cargo before it hit the streets.”.

In a short ceremony at the Customs command center, officials handed over the seized cannabis and suspects to NDLEA. The ceremony highlighted inter-agency cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and other transnational criminalities.

At the event, NDLEA officials appreciated the NCS for continued support and promised to conduct a follow-up thorough investigation.

“This seizure is another guarantee that Nigeria is no safe haven for drug traffickers,” the NDLEA official said. “We will ensure the suspects are given the full force of the law.”.

The recent confiscation is consistent with a growing list of successful operations against drug trafficking in Nigeria. Both the NCS and NDLEA have stepped up surveillance and enforcement activities as part of the federal government’s broader campaign to arrest the tide of drug abuse and drug trafficking in Nigeria.

Authorities also made an appeal to the public to join hands in preventing crime, advising citizens to notify them of suspected activities in the neighborhoods. “The public’s role is indispensable in assisting us to remain in front of criminals,” Customs said.

This adds to the increased determination of the Nigerian security authorities to maintain the country’s safety and security against the menace of drugs. Law enforcement agencies vowed to remain watchful, sharing intelligence aggressively, and being non-tolerant of drug-infested crimes.

With pending prosecutions and ongoing investigations, the Customs and NDLEA claim they are more committed than ever to dismantling the syndicates employed for trafficking drugs across Nigeria.