The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service,
Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has lauded the efforts of inter-agency synergy
between the Nigeria Customs Service and other government agencies, particularly
the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which has resulted in the
interception of Cocaine, Colorado, Arms and Ammunition worth N4.279 Billion at
Tincan Island Port Command.
Addressing Newsmen at the Command on Thursday, 25 January
2024, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) noted the Officers seized
56.39kg of Cocaine valued at N2,368,380,000 and 955kg of Colorado Indica valued
at N1,911,400,000, all with a street value of N4.279 Billion.
Other items seized are 5 pistols and, 445 rounds of live
ammunition, and several empty pistol magazines.
He emphasized the importance of inter-agency synergy in the
fight against illicit substances and national security.
"Just as criminals find strength in collaboration,
government agencies must equally appreciate the advantages of working
collectively to fulfill their statutory responsibilities. It is within this
context that the ongoing collaborative efforts between the NCS and the Nigeria
Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have consistently yielded positive
results". He stated.
"This collaborative synergy exemplifies the
effectiveness of pooling resources and intelligence, reinforcing the commitment
of both agencies to safeguarding the nation's borders and protecting its
citizens from the threats posed by illegal substances." He stressed.
He reiterated the NCS' resolve to prioritize strategic
partnerships to enhance its capability to fulfill its core mandates.
He said, "In recognition of the threats and the
collaborative nature of criminal activities, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
has steadfastly prioritized strategic partnerships with stakeholders over the
past seven months."
"This deliberate focus aims to harness the specialized
expertise of our partners in a manner that enhances our capability to fulfill
our core mandates." He added.
The Customs Boss later handed over the seized items to the
Chairman of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa, who was represented
by the Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
Receiving the items, the NDLEA Boss commended the CGC for the
synergy between the two agencies, saying the collaboration is a strong warning
to drug cartels as they will continue to lose their investments in the criminal
trade.
He said, "The handing over of seized illicit drugs in
the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service is a development that speaks volumes
about the hard work and diligence of security agencies tasked with securing the
territory of our country."
"The seizure is a testament that, just like the Airports, the Sea Ports are also secured." He concluded.
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