Comptroller Ntadi Seeks Cooperation of Riverine Communities on NCS Anti-smuggling Drive
…Hands Over Seized Illicit Drugs to NDLEA, NAFDAC
By Abass Quadri
The Comptroller in charge of Western Marine Command, Comptroller of Customs Patrick Ntadi, has urged residents of riverine communities to desist from smuggling activities and to support security agencies with timely, credible intelligence to safeguard the nation’s waterways against illicit trade.
Comptroller Ntadi made the appeal during the official handover of intercepted illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
He said the seizures resulted from sustained intelligence-driven patrols across the maritime corridor aimed at denying smugglers and criminal elements freedom of operation along the waterways.
“The illicit drugs being handed over today pose serious threats to public health and national security. Their circulation within our communities contributes to criminality, drug abuse among youths, insecurity, and other social vices capable of undermining national development,” he stated.
The intercepted items included Cannabis Sativa with a Duty Paid Value of ₦103 million, alongside pharmaceutical and cosmetic products such as 368 packs of Yeegan supplements (250mg), 532 bottles of Codolin and Explorin expectorants (100ml), 88 cartons of Caro White cream, and 80 cartons of Black Charcoal Latte.
Other seized items included 1,569 pairs of second-hand adult shoes and 517 pairs of second-hand children’s shoes valued at over ₦10.3 million.
Ntadi reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining operations against smuggling and urged members of the public, especially residents of riverine communities, to provide timely and useful information to security agencies.
“Such cooperation remains essential in our collective efforts to combat smuggling and safeguard the nation,” he said.
In line with existing laws, the prohibited items were formally handed over to the relevant agencies for further investigation and necessary action.
Receiving the seized Cannabis Sativa on behalf of the NDLEA, the Commander of Apapa Strategic Command, Olufemi Richard, commended the collaboration and pledged continued joint efforts.
“We will maintain collaboration across all areas to ensure there is no safe haven for drug dealers on the waterways or on land,” he said.
