Kwara State Customs Command Seizes Narcotics and Fuel Worth millions

The Kwara State Customs Command has made a significant haul in the battle against drug trafficking and fuel smuggling in the region. According to a press conference held on Wednesday in Ilorin, the command has generated a whopping N3.371 billion between June and July 2024.

The Customs Area Commander, Faith Matthew Ojeifo, announced that operatives of the command had intercepted a DAF truck with registration number T-25750-LA, which was conveying 1,153 parcels of cannabis sativa (marijuana). The drugs were hidden in fabricated compartments and other components of the truck.

The driver of the vehicle, realizing that the customs officers had discovered the concealment, abandoned the truck and fled into the bush to evade arrest. Ojeifo stated that this actions triggered the interest of the operatives, leading to the seizure of the drugs and further investigation.

The duty paid value of the seized drugs is estimated at N57,668 million, which was handed over to the state commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Fatomoh Popoola Abiola. The DAF truck, valued at N21.5 million, will be forfeited to the Federal government in accordance with the Customs service Act, 2023.

The operatives also seized 110 kegs of petroleum products, valued at N550,000, during the same period. Overall, the area comptroller reported a total duty paid value of items seized amounting to N42,702,650.

The successful operation is a testament to the dedication and vigilance of the Kwara State Customs Command and its commitment to tackling drug trafficking and fuel smuggling in the region.