Customs intercepts N10m Indian hemp under tomato, vegetable bags

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) attached to the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja, have intercepted 39 bags and 1,220 parcels of weed suspected to be Indian hemp carefully concealed under sacks of tomatoes and vegetables. The NCS said the illicit substance, which value was put at over N10m, was being smuggled into […]

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) attached to the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja, have intercepted 39 bags and 1,220 parcels of weed suspected to be Indian hemp carefully concealed under sacks of tomatoes and vegetables.

The NCS said the illicit substance, which value was put at over N10m, was being smuggled into the country from Benin Republic. The parcels of cannabis were understood to have been stuffed in sacks and hidden behind the bags of tomatoes.

The NCS Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja, Mohammed Uba, disclosed yesterday that the contraband was intercepted in Olorunda, Ogun State, following an intelligence report that a group of persons was planning to bring into Nigeria a huge consignment of Indian hemp.

Uba said, “Based on the strength of the information, operatives from the unit laid siege to the road. Their efforts paid off on Monday when they sighted one Ford Transit bus registration number XL 32452 L along the Olorunda road, Ogun State, conveying fresh vegetables, tomatoes and pepper. 

“The driver refused to stop when it was flagged down. The team gave the bus a chase and in the process, the occupants jumped out of the vehicle and took to their heels. When the team searched the bus, they discovered about 39 sacks and 1,220 parcels of cannabis, popularly known as Indian hemp, weighing 1,610kg.”