5 nabbed as Customs clamps down on Tramadol, hemp traffickers

Five persons who the Nigeria Customs Service described as notorious dealers of illicit substances have been arrested by operatives of the service attached to Seme Area Command.

The suspects were also allegedly involved in the smuggling of outlawed items such as bags of rice, vegetable oil and foreign poultry products, among others.

About 68 parcels of Tramadol valued at N981,000 and 10 parcels of weeds suspected to be cannabis were recovered from the suspects who had attempted to move them into Nigeria from Benin Republic.

The suspects allegedly concealed the illicit substance under bales of used cloths also known as “Okrika”.

The Customs Area Controller, Seme Command, Mohammed Uba Garba stated this at the weekend while addressing media men.

He said the illicit substances have since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

He said the suspects were arrested by operatives of the command based on credible information from members of the public on the move by the gang to ship into the country large quantity of drugs in small quantities.

“The Tramadol and cannabis have been successfully handed over to the NDLEA, with one of the suspects getting a twoyear sentence after diligent prosecution,” he said.

“A total of 23 vehicles (17 fairly used and 6 means of conveyance) were also seized in the period under review.

Among the vehicles are a Toyota Highlander 2013, Hyundai Azera Limited 2016, Toyota Camry 2010, Toyota Corolla 2012, Volvo FL7 285 Truck amongst others,” the Seme customs boss added.