The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, handed over three suspects and 1,658 loaves of cannabis sativa, weighing 788 kilograms, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday. The seized items, alongside other contraband goods, were valued at a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦182.1 million.
At a handover event held in Lagos, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, the Customs Area Controller of the Western Marine Command, detailed the operations that led to the seizures. According to him, the cannabis and suspects were intercepted during three separate anti-smuggling operations in November, carried out at Ijegun Waterside, Bar Beach, and Ekare Beach Front.
“These operations are in strict enforcement of Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023,” Bamisaiye explained. He confirmed that the apprehended cannabis sativa and suspects were being handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution. In addition to the cannabis, the Command seized various other contraband goods in November, including 295 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, seven bags of 50kg refined granulated sugar, 386 bottles of 300ml codeine syrup, and 900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). These items were confiscated during operations in locations such as Point of No Return in Badagry, Panko Ere waterfronts, and Yekeme-Joforo waterways. The codeine syrup was handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), while the seized PMS was disposed of in line with existing regulations.
Highlighting the detrimental impact of smuggling, Bamisaiye stated, “Smuggling undermines our economy and, in the case of hard drugs, poses even greater harm to public health and societal well-being.” He assured the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to keeping Nigeria’s waterways secure and urged citizens to support anti-smuggling initiatives.
Receiving the suspects and the cannabis, NDLEA Commander for the Western Marine Command, Udoh Morrison, commended the NCS for its vigilance in combating drug trafficking. Morrison highlighted the ongoing partnership between the NDLEA, Customs, and other security agencies, noting that the Nigerian Navy had transferred 2.9 tonnes of cannabis sativa to the NDLEA during his tenure. He also called for enhanced cooperation among stakeholders and requested a dedicated operational space within the Western Marine Command to boost the agency’s effectiveness.
Additionally, NAFDAC representative Isha Salihu praised the Customs for intercepting counterfeit drugs and unwholesome food items, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in curbing illicit trade. Both agencies reiterated their commitment to strengthening ties and improving their collective efforts to protect public health and the economy.