By Steve Agbota, Lagos
The Western Marine Command (WMC) of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 120 sacks containing 10,551 loaves of Cannabis Sativa worth N704.518 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as part of interagency collaboration between the two agencies.
Speaking during the handing over of the substance, the Customs Area Controller, WMC, Comptroller Salefu Odaudu, said that that the seizures were made in 3 different operations at Jegemo Island opposite Iworo Ajido Waterfront and Asipa Beach along Seme borders on the 29th of November, 2023, 2nd of December, 2023 and 19th of January, 2024.
However, he implored Nigerians to desist from illicit and illegal cross border trade practices, adding that it has huge consequences for the general economic and health welfare of the citizens across the country.
“In upholding the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Customs and NDLEA signed on April 4, 2023 to ensure synergy and collaboration in tackling illicit traffic in hard drugs along Nigeria’s entry and exit points, the Service under the leadership of the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has directed the Western Marine Command to handover 120 sacks containing 10,551 loaves of cannabis sativa with a total value of N704.518 million to NDLEA for further agency action.”
“Today’s event is a product of the hard work, dedication and bravery of my officers who have worked with diligence and integrity to puncture the reign of smugglers of these hard drugs. This seizure is also a product of our command’s wide network of intelligence with suspects of these trade still at large but the command will now work with NDLEA to effect the arrest of these wicked traders,” he said.
He reaffirmed that WMC of Nigeria Customs Service remains steadfast in its commitment to safety guard the nation’s economic interest by working with sister agencies whenever necessary.
While receiving the seizures, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA, Paul Ahon, commended the Western Marine Customs for its synergy with the drug enforcement agency.
Ahon equally assured that the NDLEA will continue to build on its partnership with Customs in a bid to curb the smuggling of drugs into the country.