The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, has intercepted 53 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 1,958kg with a duty-paid value of N398 million at Ilase Sea Beach, Lagos.
Smugglers Overpowered at Sea
According to the Public Relations Officer, Lomba Benjamin, the interception took place about 200 nautical miles from Lagos Anchorage.
Speaking on the operation, the Customs Area Controller, Paul Bamisaiye, stated that the smugglers attempted to escape but were overpowered by officers.
“The suspects abandoned the boat and jumped into the sea, but our officers were swift in securing the vessel and its contents,” he said.
A search of the boat revealed 3,793 loaves of cannabis sativa, divided into 53 sacks, weighing 1,958kg, with a market value of N398 million.
Largest Seizure Under Current Administration
Bamisaiye noted that the seizure, made on Thursday at 11 PM, marks the largest single operation against cannabis trafficking under his leadership.
Two months earlier, the command had intercepted 15 sacks of cannabis sativa, containing 1,021 loaves weighing 538kg, worth N107 million.
Strengthening the Fight Against Smuggling
The Customs chief commended Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for their unwavering support in equipping officers with the necessary resources to combat smuggling.
He emphasized that the confiscated drugs will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in line with established procedures.
The NCS Western Marine Command reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies to ensure Nigeria’s borders remain protected from illicit trade and criminal activities.
