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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, has recorded a major operational breakthrough with the interception of 20 sacks of Cannabis Indica containing 1,205 loaves, valued at N157.83 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV).
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, the Area Controller, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, said the seizure was made during a targeted anti-smuggling operation by vigilant officers of the Command. He noted that the drugs were cleverly concealed and suspected to have been smuggled into the country through the waterways.
The interception, Ntadi said, highlights the Command’s sustained resolve to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders, protect the economy, and suppress smuggling and other transnational crimes within its area of operation.
Beyond enforcement, the Controller disclosed that the Command has remained active in facilitating legitimate trade. During the period under review, the Western Marine Container Escort Team successfully escorted 21,414 containers from seaports to bonded terminals, ensuring regulatory compliance, transparency, and seamless cargo movement.
“These achievements underscore our core mandate of border security, revenue protection, and trade facilitation,” Ntadi said, reaffirming the Command’s zero tolerance for smuggling.
He attributed the successes to the strategic leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, MFR, psc+, improved intelligence, and strong inter-agency collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, Marine Police, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The Western Marine Command assured the public of its continued commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding national security and economic stability.
