The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command has seized illicit drugs with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N99.9 million, after they were abandoned by an unknown person along Maidoro Village on the Sokoto-Illela Road.
The Customs Area Comptroller, Mr Aliyu Musa-Ndako disclosed this while handing over the exhibits intercepted by its patrol team, to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Monday in Sokoto.
He added that the illicit drugs comprised 182 cartons of CST Cough Syrup containing codeine and NASACAM Piroxicam capsules, which were suspected to have been smuggled into the country.
According to him, the presentation was part of the directive of the Comptroller-General (C-G) of NCS, Mr Bashir Adewale, to hand over illicit pharmaceutical products to NDLEA.
The area comptroller explained that the handover was not merely procedural but a decisive step to enable the agency to take immediate action.
“This is in line with the recent understanding reached at the last CGC Conference in Abuja.
“This seizure demonstrates our commitment to protecting the nation from the scourge of illicit drugs.
“I reiterate NCS’s commitment to an intelligent network and continued harmonious synergy to strengthen service delivery and improve performance,” the area comptroller said.
Responding, the NDLEA commander commended the NCS for the success, saying it demonstrated their collective efforts and achievements and translated into improved synergy and performance among enforcement agencies.
Gidado noted that his agency looked forward to more collaboration with the NCS in intercepting and seizing imported unwholesome food items, as well as adulterated and counterfeit drugs.
(NAN)
