Operatives of the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 15 sacks of 538 kilograms of cannabis sativa, valued at N107.2 million along the Ajido Waterways, in Yekeme axis of the Command.
The consignment of illicit substances was intercepted at the waterfront while the suspected smugglers had grounded their boat in an attempt to offload the illicit items onto land, the Command’s Area Controller, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye said in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
“Upon sighting our vigilant marine officers, the suspects abandoned the items and fled the scene.
“In spite of 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,” Bamisay said in the statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Magaji Mailafiya.
He further revealed that the seized bags contained 1,021 loaves of the illicit substances.
According to Bamisaiye, examination of the seizures at the command headquarters revealed that they weighed 538kg with a duty-paid value (DPV) of N107.2 million.
“The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team have been instrumental in supporting this fight against smuggling operations by providing critical resources and equipment to the Western Marine Command.
”This support has empowered the Command to achieve remarkable successes in ensuring that smugglers have no haven on our waterways, thereby creating a secure and thriving environment for legitimate trade.
“The Western Marine Command, under my leadership, expresses readiness to ensure that the waterways remain effectively secured from smuggling activities during this critical festive period,” Bamisaiye said.
Bamisaiye stressed that the service remains committed to protecting the nation’s waterways and ensuring a safe environment for lawful trade and activities.
(NAN)