Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command has announced a significant anti-smuggling victory following the interception of 20 sacks of Cannabis Indica valued at ₦157.8 million.
Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, disclosed the development on Wednesday while briefing journalists, noting that the seizure contained 1,205 loaves of the illicit substance, believed to have been smuggled into the country through its waterways.
He said the drugs were carefully concealed but were uncovered through the vigilance and sustained intelligence efforts of marine patrol operatives.
“This interception highlights our commitment to securing the maritime environment, protecting the economy, and enforcing compliance with customs laws,” Comptroller Ntadi stated.
Beyond its enforcement operations, the Western Marine Command also recorded major strides in trade facilitation. The Western Marine Container Escort Team successfully escorted 21,414 containers from seaports to bonded terminals within the review period.
Ntadi said the effort ensured transparency, regulatory compliance, and the smooth movement of legitimate cargo across the nation’s maritime corridor.
“These achievements underscore our statutory mandate of border security, revenue protection, and trade facilitation. We remain steadfast in our resolve to combat smuggling and other criminal activities that threaten national security and economic stability,” he said.
He attributed the Command’s operational successes to enhanced intelligence, strengthened collaboration among security agencies, and the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Adewale Bashir Adeniyi.
Sister agencies acknowledged for their support include the Nigerian Navy, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Marine Police, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.