The Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service has handed over 120 sacks containing 10,551 loaves of Cannabis Sativa with a total value of N704,518,000 to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA).
In his hand over speech, Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Odaudu Salefu, disclosed that the 120 sacks contained 10,551 loaves of cannabis sativa.
He noted that the seizures were made in three different operations at Jegemo Island opposite Iworo Ajido Waterfront and Asipa Beach along Seme borders on the 29th of November, 2023, 2nd of December, 2023 and 19th of January, 2024.
According to him, in upholding the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Customs and NDLEA signed on the 4th of April 2023 to ensure synergy and collaboration in tackling illicit traffic in hard drugs along Nigeria’s entry and exit points, the Service under the leadership of the CGC, BA Adeniyi MFR has directed the Western Marine Command to hand over the 120 sacks containing 10,551 loaves of cannabis sativa
“Today’s event is a product of the hard work, dedication and bravery of my officers who have worked with diligence and integrity to puncture the reign of smugglers of these hard drugs. This seizure is also a product of our command’s wide network of intelligence with suspects of these trade still at large but the command will now work with NDLEA to effect the arrest of these wicked traders,” the Area Controller asserted.
Salefu strongly warned Nigerians to desist from illicit and illegal cross border trade practices, stressing that it has huge consequences on the general economy and health welfare of the citizens.
Receiving the seizures, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA, Paul Ahom, lauded the Western Marine Customs for its synergy with the drug enforcement agency.
The NDLEA commander described Western Marine Customs as one of the government units that are collaborating with the agency.
He assured that the NDLEA will continue to build on its partnership with Customs in a bid to curb the smuggling of drugs into the country.