Nigerian Customs Seize Nearly 600 Pounds Of Weed

Customs officials in Nigeria announced this week that a patrol had intercepted nearly 600 pounds of cannabis along a busy highway in the central part of the West African nation. Niger/Kogi Comptroller Busayo Kadejo said Tuesday that 317 packages totaling 263.6 kilograms (more than 581 pounds) of illegal marijuana had been seized by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).

After the seizure, the cannabis was handed over to Barrister Haruna Kwetishe, the Niger State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in Minna, the Niger state capital.

The cannabis was discovered by an Area Command of the Customs Service patrol along the busy highway between the cities of Lokoja and Abuja in Nigeria’s central region. Kadejo noted that the suspected cannabis smugglers fled after exiting the truck carrying the marijuana and are still at large.

Cannabis is illegal in Nigeria, with penalties for marijuana possession ranging from 12 years behind bars to life imprisonment for large-scale trafficking. Despite the risk, however, cannabis is one of the country’s most popular illicit drugs, and Nigeria is one of West Africa’s largest producers of illicit marijuana.

Following the discovery, Kadejo commended the customs officials’ work that led to the confiscation of the cannabis. But he also noted that illegal drugs are ingrained in Nigerian society.

“This opportunity has come with a double feeling and sadness and joy in my heart. First and foremost is the fact that some people work tirelessly to build this nation, while others engage in activities that are detrimental to the development of the same country,” Kadejo said. “I’m glad that our officers were able to intercept these illegal packages thanks to their conscientious performance of duty. If the packages had escaped our eyes, they would have aided in the execution and supply of crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, brawling, and other social services.”

Suspected smugglers on the run

Kadejo noted that the suspected cannabis smugglers had escaped and fled into the bush after their truck was stopped by customs officials and warned area residents to be aware of their presence. He also said the NCS is determined to put cannabis smugglers out of business in the country.

“I strongly believe that it is important that as the general election approaches, it is everyone’s and everyone’s responsibility to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement,” Kadejo said.

The local Comptroller noted that he had received approval from the Comptroller General of the Customs to turn over the seized cannabis to NDLEA’s Niger State Command, adding that “this shows the synergy that exists between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA exists”.

After accepting the confiscated cannabis, Kwetishe praised the customs service and said the marijuana would be destroyed to keep it from entering the illicit market.

“What Customs has done is a clear case of synergy between security agencies. It’s a great job done by customs,” said Kwetische. “It confirmed to us that Nigeria as a country is a project for everyone, not necessarily for the security authorities. Anyone with information should bring this to our attention and it will save lives.”

The NDLEA state commander also pointed out that any politicians who use cannabis as an incentive to gain support from young people in upcoming elections will be jailed until ballots are cast.

“We assure society that we will make Nigeria safe. Especially in this period when drugs are used to ginger criminals. I would like to warn the politicians that anyone in the state of Niger who wants to use drugs in this political era, NDLEA is able and willing to rule you,” Kwetischhe warned. “We will arrest you. You may not even see the elections. We’ll keep you until after the elections.”