The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 15 sacks containing 1,021 loaves of Cannabis sativa along the Ajido waterways in the Yekeme axis.
Addressing journalists in Lagos, the Customs Area Controller of the command, Paul Bamisaiye, said the intercepted consignment weighed a total of 538 kilogrammes and has a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N107.2 million. He said the operation occurred on December 16, 2024, at the waterfront as suspected smugglers attempted to offload the illicit cargo from their grounded boat.
Bamisaiye said the swift response of Marine Patrol officers forced the suspects to abandon the goods and flee the scene. He said despite facing a hostile environment, the Customs officers successfully retrieved the sacks, transferred them into official patrol boats, and transported them to the command’s headquarters for further examination and investigation.
“The consignment was intercepted at the waterfront while the suspected smugglers had grounded their boat in an attempt to offload the illicit items. 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,” he explained.
The controller assured that the waterways will remain effectively secured, especially during the Yuletide season, when unpatriotic individuals often intensify their smuggling activities.
Bamisaiye said with the festive season typically witnessing an uptick in smuggling attempts, the Command has implemented enhanced strategies to thwart illicit trade.
He emphasised that no effort would be spared to ensure that smugglers find no safe haven on Nigeria’s waterways during this critical period. He reaffirmed the NCS commitment to fostering a secure environment for legitimate trade and activities while warning individuals engaging in illegal practices to desist or face the full wrath of the law.
