Customs FOU ‘C’ Intercepts 77.5kg of Cannabis Sativa, 8.6kg of Canadian Loud, Hands Over to NDLEA
By Dapo Olawuni
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Friday handed over a major seizure of illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), reinforcing inter-agency cooperation in the national fight against trafficking.
The items – 151 wraps of Cannabis Sativa weighing 77.5kg and 15 wraps of a high-grade variant weighing 8.6kg – were intercepted during a routine patrol by Customs operatives in the Zone.
According to the Comptroller of FOU Zone C, Comptroller Bishir A. Balogun, the substances were concealed in a manner designed to evade detection, but officers acted on credible intelligence to intercept them.
During the handover ceremony in Owerri, Balogun said the interception demonstrates the vigilance and professionalism of Customs officers, as well as the Service’s broader commitment to national security under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
He noted that while revenue collection and trade facilitation remain core functions of the Service, Customs equally plays a critical role in preventing the movement of prohibited items that threaten the country’s health and security.
“This handover reflects the strong spirit of collaboration between law-enforcement agencies.
“The NDLEA is the competent authority in handling drug-related offences, and we are proud to work with them to ensure these dangerous substances are removed from circulation and that justice takes its full course,” he said.
He commended the Comptroller-General for the support extended to the Unit and praised his officers for consistently demonstrating dedication despite operational risks.
The Controller also acknowledged the NDLEA and other sister agencies whose cooperation, he said, continues to strengthen Nigeria’s collective security framework.
Balogun used the occasion to assure the public that the Service will maintain relentless pressure on smuggling networks and will continue to intercept illicit goods entering or moving within the country.
He urged Nigerians to provide information that can aid enforcement efforts, stressing that community partnership remains essential in curbing illegal trade.
At the event, NDLEA representatives formally received the seized items and confirmed that investigations would proceed immediately in line with established procedures.
“With this handover, we ensure that the appropriate agency takes charge of further action,” Balogun concluded as he officially transferred custody of the materials to the NDLEA.
