Yuletide: Western Marine Customs seizes 1,021 parcels of cannabis sativa

In furtherance of its anti-smuggling mandate, the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has effected another seizure of 15 sacks of cannabis sativa containing 1,021 loaves of the illicit substances.

A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Magaji Mailafiya said the consignment, was intercepted by officers on Monday along the
Ajido waterways in the Yekeme axis of the Command.

He said upon examination of the consignment at the Command headquarters, it was found to have a total weight of 538kg with a
Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N107,205,000.00.

He said the consignment was intercepted at the waterfront while the suspected
smugglers had grounded their boat 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 Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) and his management team has 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 safe haven on our waterways, thereby creating a secure and thriving environment for legitimate trade.

“The Western Marine Command, under the leadership of Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, expresses its readiness to ensure that the waterways remain effectively secured from smuggling activities during this critical
festive period.

“The Command is not unaware that some unpatriotic members of the public usually attempt to take advantage of the Yuletide season to execute their nefarious acts of smuggling. It hereby warns that strategies have been perfected for the coming holiday season to checkmate all such criminal acts.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to protecting the nation’s waterways and ensuring a safe environment for lawful trade and activities,” the statement said.