The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over two suspects and seized illicit drugs including 4,973 loaves of Cannabis Sativa and 195 bottles of 300ml codeine to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC.).
The handover, overseen by the Controller of the command, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, took place at the command’s head office in Apapa on Wednesday.
Addressing journalists, Comptroller Bamisaiye said the seizures were made across the South-Western waterways.
He said the suspect’s were arrested with 29 loaves of Cannabis Sativa concealed in a sack of rebagged rice within the Badagry axis.
He said, “You will recall just last week, on Friday 21st February, 2025 to be precise the Command informed members of the press of the seizure of 53 sacks of Cannabis Sativa.
“In a recent operation by one of the Command Patrol team on Monday 24th February, 2025 within Badagry axis, two suspects with 29 loaves of Cannabis Sativa concealed in a sack of rebagged rice were intercepted.
“Today, we formally hand over 4,973 loaves of Cannabis Sativa, two suspects and 195 bottles of 300ml codeine to NDLEA and NAFDAC repectively for further investigation and prosecution.
“These seizures were made across the South-Western waterways, reaffirming our commitment at the Western Marine Command to securing our waterways and stopping illicit trade. ”
Comptroller Bamisaiye emphasized the importance of nter- agency collaboration in combating smuggling and drug trafficking, stating
“This success is a result of strong inter-agency collaboration. No single agency can win this fight alone, and together, we are making a real impact,”
He also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs and the management team for providing the right equipment, welfare, and good working conditions that empower the command’s officers to carry out their duties effectively.
The customs boss expressed optimism that the handover of the seized drugs to NDLEA and NAFDAC will further aid the fight against drug abuse and illicit trade.
He reiterared a strong warning to smugglers that the command remain vigilant and will not relent in its figlht against smuggling.
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