Western Marine Customs Command Seize Cannabis and Tramadol Worth N182M
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, has made significant strides in its anti-smuggling efforts, resulting in substantial seizures. Recently, the command confiscated 1,658 loaves of cannabis Sativa, weighing 788 kilograms, and 386 bottles of 300ml codeine syrup.
According to Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, Customs Area Controller (CAC), these seizures were made during three separate operations. Bamisaiye emphasized the significant implications of these seizures for public health and safety, highlighting the command’s commitment to protecting the well-being of Nigerian citizens.
“The inordinate quest by citizens to get rich by any means fuels the menace of smuggling, citizens must understand that smuggling is injurious to our economy and smuggling of hard drugs has even more devastating effect on our health and the economy”, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye stated.
The Command conducted a series of operations in November 2024, targeting Ijegun Waterside, Bar Beach, and Ekare Beachfront. These actions were taken in accordance with Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
The seized items, valued at ₦182,196,000, included substantial quantities of cannabis and other prohibited substances. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) emphasized that the Western Marine Command will take decisive action against anyone attempting to undermine the government’s trade restrictions or fiscal policies.
“The Command under my watch is poised more than ever to rid our waterways of all acts of smuggling and economic saboteurs for the benefit of the growth of the economy of Nigeria”, Bamisaiye stated.
The seized cannabis 788kg and 386 bottles of 300ml codeine syrup, were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) respectively for further investigation and prosecution.
Shortly after receiving the items, the Marine Commander NDLEA, Morrison Udoh, who was also on a courtesy visit to the command, reaffirmed the commitment of the two agencies to continue to work together to rid the country of illicit drugs.
He commended the service for the fight against smuggling on Nigeria’s waterways and expressed optimism for improved synergy.
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