The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, has intercepted a massive shipment of cannabis sativa worth N398 million in Lagos, dealing a significant blow to drug smuggling operations along the nation’s waterways.
Disclosing the operation on Friday, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Lomba Benjamin, stated that the seizure, which comprised 53 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 1,958kg, was made at Ilase Sea Beach, approximately 200 nautical miles from the Lagos Anchorage.
Speaking on the details of the interception, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Paul Bamisaiye, revealed that officers engaged the smugglers, forcing them to abandon their boat and flee.
“The smugglers tried to run away but were overpowered by our officers. They abandoned the boat and jumped into the sea,” Bamisaiye said.
“The duty-paid value of the seizure is N398 million,” Bamisaiye confirmed, emphasizing that the seizure was made around 11 p.m. on Thursday as part of intensified efforts to curb smuggling activities.
The Customs chief described the operation as the biggest single seizure of cannabis sativa under his administration, reflecting the heightened vigilance and strategic enforcement by his officers.
“This is the highest single operational seizure of cannabis sativa recorded under my administration,” he stated.
Bamisaiye further disclosed that just two months ago, the command intercepted 15 sacks containing 1,021 loaves of cannabis sativa, weighing 538kg and valued at N107 million.
He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for providing critical resources and equipment that have strengthened the fight against smuggling.
“The continued support from the Comptroller General and his management team has been instrumental in these successful operations,” Bamisaiye noted.
In line with established procedures, he confirmed that the seized drugs would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.
The Customs boss reiterated the commitment of his command to collaborating with sister security agencies to ensure Nigeria’s borders remain secure from criminal activities.
“This is a strong message to smugglers and drug traffickers: We are watching, and we will not relent in our duty to protect the country’s borders from illegal trade and harmful substances,” Bamisaiye warned.
