Customs WMC Intensifies Anti-Smuggling Efforts Ahead of Yuletide
…Intercepts 1,021 Loaves of Cannabis in Lagos Waters
Author: Lucy Nyambi.
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.
In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Magaji Mailafiya On 17 December, 2024, 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.”
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, 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 has
been instrumental in supporting the fight against smuggling operations
by 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.
