Western Marine Customs Makes Record-breaking Seizure with 1,958kg of Cannabis Sativa Worth ₦398.2m
The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it achieved its highest single seizure with the interception of 1,958kg of cannabis sativa worth ₦398,265,000 million on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
Lomba Benjamin, the Public Relations Officer of the Command disclosed this on Friday, noting that the Command’s resolve to keep restrategising its operational modalities especially in the area of anti-smuggling activities has continued to pay off.
“The result of the intensified efforts by the ever focused and eagle-eyed officers of the Command on Thursday 20 February, 2025 at about 2300 hours (11 pm) inside the sea has led to the highest single operational seizure of cannabis sativa under the exceptional leadership of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller PK Bamisaiye.
“You will recall two months ago, the Command made a seizure of 15 sacks of cannabis sativa weighting 538kg and comprising of 1,021 loaves worth ₦107,205,000 of the illicit substance,” Benjamin noted.
Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Bamisaiye said that the officers, having received credible intelligence, were patrolling close to Ilase sea beach, at about 200 nautical miles from the Lagos anchorage when they sighted the smugglers.
He said: “The smugglers tried to outrun our officers but when they couldn’t, they decided to abandon their boat by jumping into the sea. The boat was quickly secured and brought to the office where it was found to contain 3,793 loaves of cannabis sativa divided into 53 sacks and weighted 1,958kg. The Duty paid value of the seizure is ₦398,265,000.”
He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for being instrumental in supporting the fight against smuggling operations by providing critical resources and equipment to the Western Marine Command.
“In line with the established procedures, the hard drugs will be handed over to Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). In addition, we shall continue to partner with other sister agencies in ensuring that our nation’s borders are well protected,” the Comptroller said.
He restated that the seizure is consistent with the Command’s resolve to sustain its anti-smuggling drive and operations.
The Command reiterated its commitment to making the waterway axis a no safe haven for smugglers, thereby creating a secure and thriving environment free from all illicit goods.
It also warned all “unpatriotic elements” to desist from illegal businesses or get apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.
