The Ondo/Ekiti Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has transferred a surety to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after two drug trafficking suspects who were granted bail absconded.
The suspects were initially arrested while conveying over 140 sacks of Cannabis sativa — popularly known as Indian hemp — weighing more than 1,400 kilogrammes and valued at N112 million.
According to the command’s Comptroller, Mrs. Morenikeji Bewaji, the seizure was made in Ado-Ekiti.
Following the arrest, the suspects and the illegal drugs were handed over to the NDLEA for further action.
However, Bewaji revealed that the suspects were later granted bail on health grounds but failed to appear as required.
Their surety, identified as Mr. Victor Ayodeji, has now been taken into custody and handed over to the NDLEA for possible prosecution.
Describing the development as a major milestone in the ongoing campaign against drug trafficking, Bewaji warned about the escalating spread of Cannabis sativa and its threat to national security, public health, and the country’s socio-economic fabric.
“In our fight against the threat of illicit drugs in our country, inter-agency collaboration remains a cornerstone for success. The partnership between the NCS and the NDLEA is a shining example of effective synergy,” she said.
She further emphasized that both the NCS and NDLEA are committed to strengthening their cooperation through intelligence sharing and stakeholder engagement, noting that their joint objective remains to secure the nation while ensuring unhindered lawful commerce.
The comptroller also appealed to the public to support the agencies by providing accurate and timely information, adding that addressing drug-related crime requires collective effort.
Representing the NDLEA at the event, the agency’s state commander, Mr. Nanzing Sallah, was represented by the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Mr. Adaramola Olumuyiwa.
He praised the Customs Service for the successful seizure and reaffirmed the NDLEA’s readiness to continue partnering in the battle against drug cartels and organised crime.
