CUSTOMS : Western Marine Command Hands Over Seized Cannabis Worth N704M To NDLEA

By Roland Ekama

In line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached , the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) on Monday in Lagos handed over 120 bags of cannabis sativa worth about N704,518,000 to operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) .

The 120 bags of illicit drugs amounts to 10,551 loaves .

Speaking at a brief handing over ceremony, Controller of the beachcombing Command , Comptroller Odaudu Salefu reiterated that the seized drugs handed over the NDLEA were confiscated in three different locations, namely Jegemo Island opposite Iworo, Ajido waterfront and Asipa Beach along Seme border on the 29th of November 2023, 2nd December 2023 and 19th January 2024.

The customs boss disclosed that the worth of the cannabis sativa is estimated at N704,518,000 , even as he commended officers and men of the command for bravery, dedication, integrity and diligence in puncturing activities of smugglers .

Comptroller Salefu stated that the officers and men of the command remain steadfast in commitment to safeguard the nation’s economic interest by working closely with other relevant agencies of government.

He further urged Nigerians to desist from illicit cross border trade practices adding that the service will continue to render smuggling activities useless.

According to him, the seizure is a product of the commands ‘s wide network of intelligence saying that the suspects of the illicit trade are still at large.

He commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi for upholding the spirit of the MoU between Customs and NDLEA pointing out that both agencies of the government has signed an agreement to work and ensure synergy in tackling hard drug smuggling into the nation’s entry and exit points .

“Today’s event is a product of the hard work, dedication and bravery of my officers who have worked with diligence and integrity to puncture the reign of smugglers of these hard drugs. This seizure is also a product of our command’s wide network of intelligence with suspects of these trade still at large but the command will now work with NDLEA to effect the arrest of these wicked traders,” the Area Controller said.

While receiving the seizures, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA, Paul Ahon, commended the Western Marine Customs for its synergy with the drug enforcement agency.

The NDLEA boss stated the agency would continue to build on its partnership with Customs in a bid to curb the smuggling of drugs into the country, pointing out that the collaborative efforts of the two agencies in trying to rid the nation of illegal substances and their harmful effects and promised to continue to cement the relationship for the betterment of the nation.