Trailer loaded with adulterated diesel, Indian hemp intercepted

A trailer with number plate GBB 85 XA suspected to be carrying adulterated diesel, has been intercepted and arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service.

The trailer was arrested by customer officers of Federal Operation Unit, Zone ‘C’, Owerri, along Aba-Owerri expressway on December 4, 2016.

The Customs Area Comptroller in-charge of the unit, Mr Mohammed Uba Garba, revealed that the exhibit was found hidden in a specially constructed tank for illegal bunkering and concealed behind 256 sacks of expired animal feeds.

According to Daily Post, Garba said that the impounded adulterated petroleum product caused blockages of heavy duty machines and generators, which he said emits hazardous carbon monoxide detrimental to the health.

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While speaking with newsmen, Garba said that a suspect identified as Chibuzor Njoku was arrested in connection with the case and is to be handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps for prosecution.

Disclosing a similar development, Mohammed also said that a 1 X 40” container with marks MRKU 254564 loaded with 1,017 sacks of 50kg cannabis (Indian hemp) estimated at over N111. 1m was intercepted by the unit along the Benin-Shagamu highway on December 7, 2016.

The Unit Commandant said the only suspect, James Idoko, who claimed to be a student attempted to deceive the Customs men by presenting copies of fake customs processed document on importation, which turned out to be contrary to what was contained in the container.

He added that the suspect also attempted to offer a bribe of N350,000 in a bid to avoid arrest. Garba noted that the suspect is currently in custody with the bribe money, which now serves as an exhibit along with the container load of cannabis.

The NCS boss said that the increase in criminality, violence and juvenile delinquency among the youths could be traced to the high consumption of hard drugs such as marijuana which is the reason for the clampdown on those involved in the illicit business.

“Consumption of cannabis also affects the family relationship and we must fight it to the last so as to have a better society,” he stated.

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While handing over the seized items as well as the suspect to the Principal Staff Officer (Operation and Intelligence) of the NDLEA, Edo State Command, Mr. Timothy Adewole, for further investigation, Garba assured the public that NCS would continue to work in collaboration with its sister organisations to bring down the illicit business in the country.