Joyce Mmereole Okoli
In a significant move to combat illicit drug trafficking, the Customs Area Controller of the Western Marine Command (WMC) of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Comptroller Salefu Odaudu, handed over 120 sacks of cannabis sativa to the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on the 4th of March 2024.
The event took place at the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in Ibafun Apapa.
Addressing the audience, including senior officers from both NDLEA and Customs, Comptroller Odaudu highlighted the crucial role of the Western Marine Command in securing the Western Waterways against smuggling activities.
The handover, valued at N704,518,000.00, is a result of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Customs Service and NDLEA on the 4th of April 2023.
The Customs Service, under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, directed the Western Marine Command to collaborate with NDLEA in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
The seized 10,551 loaves of cannabis sativa were confiscated during operations on the 29th of November, 2023, 24th of December, 2023, and 19th of January, 2024.
Commending the officers for their hard work and dedication, Comptroller Odaudu emphasized the importance of intelligence networks in combating drug smugglers.
The suspects behind the seized drugs are still at large, but efforts are underway to apprehend them in collaboration with NDLEA.
Odaudu reaffirmed the Western Marine Command’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economic interests through collaboration with sister agencies.
He urged all Nigerians to refrain from engaging in illicit and illegal cross-border trade practices, emphasizing the detrimental impact on the country’s economic and health welfare.
The handover event underscores the collective effort to stem the tide of drug trafficking and protect the well-being of Nigeria and its citizens.