By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command has once again thwarted a major smuggling attempt, seizing 15 sacks containing 1,021 loaves of Cannabis Sativa.
This was disclosed In a statement signed by SC Magaji Mailafiya, Command Public Relations Officer, he said, the illicit substances weighing a total of 538kg, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N107,205,000.00 were intercepted on 16 December, 2024 by officers of the Command along the Ajido waterways in the Yekeme axis of the Command.
The statement stated that the smugglers had grounded their boat at the waterfront 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.
“Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, Customs Area Controller (CAC) expressed the Command’s readiness to securing the nation’s waterways, especially during the upcoming festive season.
He highlighted that the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi and his management team hasbeen instrumental in supporting the fight against smuggling operationsby providing critical resources and equipment to the Western Marine Command.
The CAC warned that strategies have been perfected to counter any attempts to exploit the period for illicit activities.
