The Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday burnt some intercepted poisonous animal skin popularly known as ‘ponmo’ imported into Nigeria.

The command also handed over 146 wraps of cannabis worth N112.4 million to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for destruction.

The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Muhammad Garba, led the team of Joint Border Agencies to the site where the animal skins were destroyed in Seme, Lagos, the border between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

Garba said that the deadly animal skin was intercepted by his men on Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

According to him, the command is going to widen its investigation to ensure that no unhealthy item escapes into the country.

Garba added that the Nigeria Customs Service was not limited to revenue generation alone, noting that the command was also fighting against the smuggling and other related vices.

Speaking while receiving the 146 wraps of cannabis worth N112.4 million from the Customs Area Controller, the NDLEA Commander, Seme Command, Udotong Essien, lauded the customs officers for their eagle eyes and professionalism.

Essien attributed the success of the joint border patrol to their synergy and cordial relationship.

He promised that the command would try its best possible to get to the root and brain behind the illegal substance.

The NDLEA commander said that regular briefing would be reported back to the customs service.

Also, Dr Nurudeen Audu, the Coordinator, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Seme Command, commended the Customs Service, for suppressing smuggling and facilitating legitimate trade.

The destruction of poisonous skin and hand over of cannabis were witnessed by officials of Port Health Services.

Others were Agricultural Quarantine Service, Department of State Services, Police Border Patrol, NAFDAC and NDLEA.

 

NAN