The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command has recorded another major operational success with the interception of no fewer than 20 sacks of Cannabis Indica, totaling 1,205 loaves, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦157,830,000.
The seizure was made during a recent anti-smuggling operation carried out by vigilant officers of the command as part of sustained efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime borders, protect the economy, and uphold the rule of law.
The Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi disclosed this in Lagos while speaking with journalists recently.
According to Ntadi, the illicit drugs were carefully concealed and suspected to have been unlawfully smuggled into the country through the waterways. The successful interception underscores the command’s unwavering commitment to suppressing smuggling activities and other transnational crimes within its area of responsibility.
He stated that while intensifying its enforcement operations, the command has continued to play a critical role in facilitating legitimate trade.
The Customs Chief also revealed that within the period under review, the Western Marine Container Escort Team successfully escorted 21,414 containers from the main ports to various bonded terminals.
He explained that these efforts ensured compliance with customs regulations, enhanced transparency, and promoted the efficient movement of cargo across the port system.
Ntadi’s words: “These achievements reaffirm the command’s statutory responsibilities of revenue protection, border security, and trade facilitation. We remain resolute in our fight against smuggling and other criminal activities that threaten national security and economic stability.”
Apparently ware that the command did not record all the successes without support from the Customs High Command, Ntadi attributed the strides made by the command to the motivation and strategic leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Dr. Adewale Bashir Adeniyi as well as improved intelligence gathering and effective inter-agency collaboration with sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Marine Police, and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
He assured the general public of the command’s continued determination to combat smuggling and all forms of illegal activities.
According to him, the command remains committed to enforcing the laws of the land, protecting citizens, and ensuring that justice is served whenever the provisions of the NCS Act 2023 are violated.
