The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ondo/Ekiti Command, has intercepted over 140 sacks of Cannabis sativa, popularly known as Indian hemp, weighing over 1,400 kilograms.

With the substance valued at N112 million, the suspects as well as the hard drugs were handed over to the state command of the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The NCS Comptroller in charge of the command, Mrs Morenikeji Bewaji, stated that the substance was intercepted while being conveyed by two suspects in Ado Ekiti before being clamped down by the NSC patrol team.

According to Bewaji, the suspects absconded after being granted bail by the command on health grounds, adding that the surety for the two suspects, Mr Victor Ayodeji, has been arrested and handed over to the NDLEA for prosecution.

The Comptroller, who lamented over the high volume of illicit drugs, particularly cannabis sativa, which she said posed a grave threat to society, stressed that drug abuse had fuelled criminal activities and insecurity and undermined the socio-economic stability of the nation.

She stressed that ”In our fight against this threat of illicit drugs in our country, inter-agency collaboration remains a cornerstone for success. The partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the NDLEA is a shining example of effective synergy.

”Together, the two agencies have achieved significant milestones, and we are committed to further strengthening this collaboration to reduce if not totally eliminate, illicit drugs. We will continue to intensify our operations by leveraging intelligence, collaborating with other security agencies, and engaging critical stakeholders.”

She promised that the two security agencies had resolved to be steadfast and determined to ensure the safety and security of the nation while promoting legitimate trade.

Bewaji urged members of the public to join hands with the NSC by providing timely and credible information, saying that the battle against drug trafficking and other forms of criminality required a collective effort.

On his part, the state commander of NDLEA, Mr Nanzing Sallah, applauded the NSC for the huge seizure of the drug substance.

Sallah, who was represented by Mr Adaramola Olumuyiwa, the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, said that the synergy would surely continue in fighting criminalities in the society.