Comptroller Joy Edeldouk demonstrates resilience on anti-smuggling operations

Comptroller Joy Edeldouk demonstrates resilience on anti-smuggling operations
…Seizes Cannabis Indica worth N256.3million

The Customs Area Controller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, KLTC, Comptroller Joy Eghosa Edeldouk, has demonstrated hard work and resilience on anti-smuggling operations, as her team intercepted Cannabis Indica with a street value of N256,250,OOOmillion (approximately N256.3million).

Also, Compt Edeldouk handed over the dangerous drugs to
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in line with the Service policy on inter-agency collaboration.

Speaking during the handing over occasion at the Command, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, Compt Edeldouk showed extraordinary bravery and doggedness, warning economic saboteurs that KLTC under her watch would leave no stone unturned in seizing prohibited items posing a threat to national security and the well-being of Nigerians.

She said : “It is with great responsibility that we gather here today to address a matter of urgent concern to the health, security, and future of our society.
In line with the CGC’s policy on collaboration, consolidation and innovation, on Wednesday September 11, 2024, our vigilant officers, working in synergy with NDLEA, intercepted a consignment of cannabis indica weighing 51.25kg, with street value of N256,250,OOO million.
This violates the provision of Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, section 55.

“This interception is a testament to our continuous dedication and commitment to safeguarding our borders from importation of illicit and harmful substances.”

She frowned :  “The negative impact of drugs; such as cannabis indica, on individuals, families and society at large ranges from destruction of lives, increase in crimes, fueling violence, as well as other societal vices. By keeping these dangerous substances out of our communities, we are preventing untold harm and helping to secure a safer future for our citizens, particularly our youths, who are most vulnerable to the allure of these harmful substances.

“Today, we hand over this consignment, along with the suspects involved, to NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution. The full weight of the law will be brought to bear on these individuals, and we remain resolute that anyone caught attempting to smuggle contraband or banned substances into Nigeria will face the same fate.”

Speaking further, the Area Controller warned economic saboteurs to desist from illicit trade, saying  “I would like to take this opportunity to send a strong and clear warning to all unscrupulous importers, who may be contemplating testing the resolve of Nigeria Customs Service. Let it be known that we are unwavering in our duty to protect the integrity of our borders and will not hesitate to bring those involved in illegal importation to justice. The Service, in collaboration with other agencies, will continue to intensify efforts to rid the country of dangerous contraband.”

“To the law-abiding citizens and legitimate traders, we remain committed to ensuring that facilitation of legitimate trade is unhindered, but for those seeking to engage in illegal activities, our message is simple, Nigeria Customs Service will not condone any act of criminality, and anyone who dares to breach the law of the country will be prosecuted accordingly.”

Compt Edeldouk enthused : “I also want to thank CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his management team for their steadfast support, guidance, and to assure them that officers and men of KLT Command will continue to comply fully with the mandate of the Service”.

More so, Compt Edeldouk has served Customs in various Commands, including the Zonal office in Lagos.

Recall that on Friday, May 31, 2024, she took over the mantle of leadership at KLT Command from her predecessor, Martina Tilley-Gyado, following her appointment as ACG.

While urging officers at KLTC to increase the tempo of their performance on duty, Compt Edeldouk promised to work assiduously in supporting the Service to deliver on its mandate, stressing that in Customs, revenue is a Key Performance Index.

Thus, with this impressive outing, it’s quite glaring that Compt Edeldouk is walking the talk, with more to come on revenue collection.  Her intelligence and pragmatic approach to statutory responsibilities are already being seen on the line of duty.