The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Monday, effected a seizure of 15 sacks of Cannabis Sativa containing 1,021 loaves of the illicit substances worth over N107million.
While disclosing this, the Area Controller, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, described the seizure to be a result of intensified anti-smuggling activities amid the yuletide season.
“The consignment, which was intercepted by our officers along the Ajido waterways in the Yekeme axis of the Command, was examined at the Command headquarters and found to have a total weight of 538kg with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N107,205,000.00.
“The consignment was intercepted at the waterfront while the suspected smugglers had grounded their boat in an attempt to offload the illicit items onto land.
“Upon sighting our vigilant Marine officers, the suspects abandoned the items and fled the scene. Despite the hostile environment, the Patrol Team successfully secured the sacks, transferred them into our official patrol boats, and transported the contraband to the Western Marine Command Headquarters for further investigation,” the WMC Customs boss said.
He, however, thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) and his management team for supporting the fight against smuggling operations by providing critical resources and equipment to the Western Marine Command, stressing that the support has empowered the Command to achieve remarkable successes in ensuring that smugglers have no safe haven on our waterways, thereby creating a secure and thriving environment for legitimate trade.
The Western Marine Command, under the leadership of Comptroller PaulBamisaiye, reiterated its preparedness to ensure that the waterways remain effectively secured from smuggling activities during this critical festive period.
Meanwhile, the Command posited that it is not unaware that some unpatriotic members of the public usually attempt to take advantage of the Yuletide season to execute their nefarious acts of smuggling, even as it warned that strategies have been perfected for the coming holiday season to checkmate all such criminal acts.
This information was disseminated via a press statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Magaji Mailafiya.
Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to protecting the nation’s waterways and ensuring a safe environment for lawful trade and activities.
