Commission seizes 255mln Birr worth of cannabis

Addis Ababa, November 5, 2022 (FBC) – The Ethiopian Customs Commission revealed that it seized cannabis and other import-export contraband goods worth of 339.9 million Birr in the past 7 days.

According to the Customs Commission, contraband export goods worth of 144.8 million Birr and 195.1 million Birr worth of imported contraband goods were seized following inspection and monitoring from October 28 to November 3 in various checkpoint areas.

At the same period, drug weighing 32.3kg worth more than 255 million birr was seized at the Addis Ababa Airport Customs Branch office while it was being smuggled.

In the last seven days, import and export goods, such as clothes, fuel, livestock, electronics, coffee, medicine, vehicles, cosmetics, weapons, khat, drugs, cooking oil and various currencies were seized.

The contraband goods were seized by the joint efforts of the Customs Commission staff, federal police, state police members and the public through searches, flights and tip-offs.

11 individuals who were caught red-handed while transporting the contraband goods have been arrested.

The Customs Commission expressed gratitude to the commission staff, state and federal police and all members of the society in all areas who participated in this law enforcement work.

It also called on all stakeholders and the society to continue playing their part as the efforts of the customs commission alone are not enough to curb smuggling and illegal trade and to prevent the negative impact it has on the country’s economy.