By Joshua Yousouph
The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has vowed to blacklist any Customs agent or freight forwarder involved in the importation or facilitation of the trafficking of illicit drugs into the country. This is even as it warned its members to desist from being perpetrators or accomplices.
You would recall that there have been several recent seizures of illicit drugs across the country at the Nation's seaports, airports and land borders. Recently, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) intercepted high volumes of Cocaine, Tramadol and other illicit drugs worth millions of Naira at the Lagos port with the importers on the run.
However, the National Vice President of the Association of the Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr Farinto Kayode has warned freight forwarders of aiding the importation and clearance of drugs noting that the association will not condone such acts but will act as Whistleblowers against defaulters.
In his words: "All Customs brokers must ensure that they are not part of the people or freight forwarders participating in the facilitation of drugs in our society. You will notice that there is an increase in the importation of drugs and psychotropic activities on our Waterways and seaport. Reports show that it has increased by over 65% and it is some freight forwarders and licensed Customs agents that are facilitating these drugs.
"I want to tell you that from 2022 we will start blacklisting any agent that is found facilitating the importation of drugs and psychotropic substances because it is killing our youth and our society. We have too many vices in our society. In view of this, if you want to clear any consignment on our waterways, tell the importer to give you the full declaration of what he has in his container. Give him a form of fill and sign. This is a war against drug abuse. The only way we can fight against this drug abuse is when you see something a say something.
"It will be of great benefit when you do not facilitate the clearance of psychotropic substances and illicit drugs in our Waterways. If you continue to do that because you are making money, your children and relatives will become addicts who will continue to consume drugs. Whether you like it or not, the law of Karma is there for everyone" Farinto stressed.
The ANLCA boss, however, called on all well-meaning Nigerians and freight forwarders to continue the fight against illicit drug trafficking to safeguard the Nation.
"In view of this, I want to beseech you all as patriotic Nigerians to make sure that you are not part of people, freight forwarders and clearing agents that facilitates the trafficking of illicit drugs on our Waterways," Farinto said.
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