A container marked MRKU 254564 loaded with 1,017 sacks of 50kg cannabis (Indian hemp) estimated to be worth over N111,137,500 was intercepted on the Benin-Sagamu Expressway by men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’ on the 7th of this month.
According to the Customs Area Controller in charge of the unit, Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba, the only suspect – James Idoko, who claimed to be a student upon interrogation, attempted to deceive the Customs men by presenting copies of suspected fake customs processed document on importation which was contrary to what was contained in the container.
The suspect also allegedly offered a bribe of N350,000 in an attempt to avoid arrest, stating that he is currently in custody with the bribe money which now serves as an exhibit along with the container load of cannabis awaiting the estimated value from the relevant agency – Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Comptroller Mohammed added also that a MAN diesel truck with registration number KRV 238 XB carrying 725 different brands of 50 kg foreign rice with Duty Paid Value of N24, 650, 000 suspected to have been smuggled into the country through the numerous creeks in Calabar/Cameroun border was similarly intercepted by his men last week.
He said that a suspect, who gave his name as Mr Fredrick Eze and claimed to be a representative of the owners of the exhibit, was arrested.
He regretted that while the nation has continued to lose huge revenue, many lives have also been lost consequent upon the unabated practice of smuggling of foreign contraband goods.
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