140 sacks of Indian hemp intercepted in Ondo, suspects escape
Two suspects apprehended by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ondo/Ekiti Command, for allegedly smuggling 140 sacks of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, otherwise known as Indian hemp, have escaped. The suspects, whose identities were still concealed due to ongoing investigation, disappeared into thin air after being granted bail on health grounds. They were intercepted […]
Two suspects apprehended by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ondo/Ekiti Command, for allegedly smuggling 140 sacks of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, otherwise known as Indian hemp, have escaped.
The suspects, whose identities were still concealed due to ongoing investigation, disappeared into thin air after being granted bail on health grounds.
They were intercepted by a patrol team of the NSC on December 7, 2024, while conveying the substances, weighing 1,400kg, to Ado Ekiti in Ekiti State.
The Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) in charge of Ondo/Ekiti Command, Morenikeji Bewaji, who disclosed this to journalists on Tuesday after handing over the seized sacks of drug substances to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Akure, said the suspects escaped after being granted bail.
She said, “But the surety for the two suspects, one Mr Ale Victor Ayodeji, has been arrested and handed over to the NDLEA for prosecution.”
Frowning at the increase in the trade of illicit drugs, especially cannabis sativa in the South West region, the comptroller said the seized substances were estimated to have a market value of N112 million.
She lamented that drugs posed a great danger and threat to society, pointing out that drug abuse has fueled criminal activities, insecurity and undermined the socio-economic stability of the nation.
Ms Bewaji added that the vices did not only erode the values of the communities but also jeopardised the future of the youth and affected the nation’s progress and economic growth.
According to her, the robust partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA in the command is yielding results in the fight against the activities of economic saboteurs and illicit trading activities.
Responding, the Commander of the NDLEA in Ondo, Nanzing Sallah, who was represented by the Deputy Commander in charge of Narcotics, Adaramola Olumuyiwa, applauded the NSC for the huge seizure of drug substance and promised to continue with the synergy in fighting criminalities in society.