Western Marine Customs Intercepts 120 Bags of Cannabis Worth N704million
Commander of Narcotics NDLEA, Mr Paul Ahom (1st from left) receiving sample of the 120 bags of cannabis seized by Compt Odaudu Salefu under his Western Marine Command
By DAPO OLAWUNI
The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in Ibafon Apapa Lagos on Monday announced the interception of 120 jumbo bags of cannabis sativa popularly known as Indian hemp with total value of N704,518,000.00.
Monday
The Customs Area Controller, Compt Odaudu Salefu subsequently handed over the seizure to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) represented by Commander of Narcotics, Mr Paul Ahom.
While briefing journalists, Compt Salefu lamented the influence of drugs and different psychotropic substances on Nigerian youths, even as he assured that the command would not rest on its oars in bringing the smugglers to book.
“In upholding the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (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 has directed the Western Marine Command to handover a total of One hundred and twenty (120) sacks containing 10,551 loaves of cannabis sativa with a total value of N704,518,000.00 to Nigeria Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further agency action.
“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 120 bags handed over to NDLEA today were seizure in 3 different operations at Jegemo Island opposite Iworo Ajido Waterfront and Asipa Beach along Seme borders on the 29th of November, 2023, 24th of December, 2023 and 19th of January, 2024.
“The Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service remain steadfast in its commitment to safeguard the Nation’s economic interest by working with sister agencies whenever necessary, and I call on all Nigerians to desist from illicit and illegal cross border trade practices as it is bad for the general economic and health welfare of Nigeria and Nigerians” Compt Salefu stated.
While receiving the cannabis seizure, the NDLEA Commander of Narcotics, Paul Ahom said that the Western Marine Command has distinguished itself among other commands, especially in area of suppressing smuggling.
“This is not the first time that their efforts has yielded the seizure of exhibits that is being handed over to our agency.
“We highly appreciate your efforts, we commend and we look forward to having more synergy in fighting Drug trafficking on our waterways.
“We should not forget that the waterways are porous, its not like the land operations, it is equally risky catching smugglers on waterways” Ahom stated
