The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Western Marine Command has recorded another major operational success with the interception of 20 sacks of Cannabis Indica, totaling 1,205 loaves, with a Duty Paid Value, DPV of N157,830,000.
Addressing members of the press on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command,
Comptroller Patrick Ntadi said the seizure was made during a recent anti-smuggling operation carried out by vigilant officers of the Command as part of sustained efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime borders, protect the economy, and uphold the rule of law.
According to the Area Controller, the illicit drugs were carefully concealed and suspected to have been unlawfully smuggled into the country through the waterways. The successful interception underscores the Command’s unwavering commitment to suppressing smuggling activities and other transnational crimes within its area of responsibility.
While intensifying its enforcement operations, the Command has continued to play a critical role in facilitating legitimate trade. Within the period under review, the Western Marine Container Escort Team successfully escorted 21,414 containers from the main ports to various bonded terminals. This effort ensured compliance with customs regulations, enhanced transparency, and promoted the efficient movement of cargo across the port system.
“These achievements reaffirm the Command’s statutory responsibilities of revenue protection, border security, and trade facilitation,” the Area Controller stated. “We remain resolute in our fight against smuggling and other criminal activities that threaten national security and economic stability.”
The Controller attributed the Command’s success to the motivation and strategic leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, as well as improved intelligence gathering and effective inter-agency collaboration with sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Marine Police, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, assures the general public of its continued determination to combat smuggling and all forms of illegal activities. The Command remains committed to enforcing the laws of the land, protecting citizens, and ensuring that justice is served.
