WMC Seizes Cannabis Sativa, Foreign Rice, Others Worth Over N155 Million, Hands Over Drugs To NDLEA

The Western Marine Command (WMC) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made significant strides in its ongoing efforts to combat smuggling activities along the Western Waterways. Recently, the Command intercepted and seized 17 sacks containing 1,257 loaves of Cannabis Sativa, with a combined weight of 720kg and an estimated value of over 96 million Naira. Additionally, the Command confiscated 505 bags of foreign parboiled rice worth over 59 million Naira.

On the night of May 15, 2024, at around 11:00 PM, officers and men of the WMC stationed at Bar Beach received credible intelligence regarding a boat carrying suspected illegal items on the high seas. Acting swiftly, the patrol team intercepted a fiber boat equipped with a 200HP Yamaha engine. Upon inspection, they discovered the 17 sacks filled with loaves of Cannabis Sativa.

In a related incident on May 19, 2024, a joint patrol team from the Command was conducting a routine patrol along Panko Creek, Badagry Waterways, when they encountered a wooden boat with a 25HP Yamaha engine carrying suspected contraband items. The smugglers abandoned their boat and dived into the water upon sighting the patrol. A thorough examination revealed the boat was transporting 505 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, totaling 59,185,000 Naira in value.

The actions of these smugglers violate sections 245 and 254 of the NCS Act 2023, which the WMC is mandated to enforce. In line with the Comptroller General’s policy of interagency collaboration, the WMC, led by Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, received approval to hand over the seized Cannabis Sativa, including 72 loaves previously confiscated, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye expressed gratitude to the CGC and the NCS management for their support and motivation. He urged the general public and traders to refrain from engaging in illicit drug activities and smuggling, which are considered economic sabotage. He emphasized that such activities contribute to the prevalence of societal menaces such as banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

The Western Marine Command remains committed to enhancing its performance in combating smuggling and ensuring the safety and security of the maritime domain.