FOU Kaduna Handover N250m Worth of Seized Indian Hemp, Donkey Meat

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, in fulfillment of its mandate yesterday, handed over contraband drugs, illicit drug substances, donkey meat, rice and other offensive items to the primary agencies of government responsible for some of the seized items.

Some of the seized items

According to the Unit Controller, Comptroller Albasir Hamisu psc (+), a total of 144 smuggled items were seized, with a combined value of N251, 701, 377.33 from various locations within the zone between February 24 and March 23, 2022.

A statement by the Unit Public Relations Officer, DSC M.A Magaji, made available to our reporter, the seizures include 1,100x 50kg bag of foreign parboiled rice, 18 vehicles, 41 cartons of foreign spaghetti, Macaroni, amongst others.

Comptroller Hamisu said chief among the seizures are 2,348 sacks of donkey meat, 126 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp), 3700 sachets of Tramadol, and 460 sachets of D5 Tablets.

While reiterating the negative effects smuggling have on the well being of the people and national economy, he enjoined smugglers to desist and embrace legitimate trade, not only for their own good but also for the overall good of all Nigerians.

He also enjoined Nigerians, especially those within the zone to be observant in their environment and to give information about any suspicious economic activities to the customs, as part of their civic duty in the collective fight against smuggling.

This is even as he disclosed during interaction with news men that the seizures in question were the result of credible information from patriotic members of the public, which was diligently acted upon.

Hamisu and his management chiefs during the conference

The statement reads, “What we will be showing to you today is the performance of our gallant officers/men, who through credible information from patriotic members of the public were able to seize 144 smuggled items worth N251,701, 377.33 from various locations of Zone B from 24 February to 23 March 2022.

“Worthy of note among item seized were 126 parcels of Cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) along with 12 sacks of same item which was at the event handed over to NDLEA Kaduna State Command, 3700 sachets of Tramadol, 460 sachets of D5 Tablets, 1,100 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 18 vehicles, 41 cartons of foreign spaghetti and Macaroni amongst other items.

“Of prominent note also was the interception of 2,348 sacks of donkey meat made by the unit and promptly handed over to the Kaduna State police Command with a suspect as directed by the CGC for further legal action and prosecution.”