The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) handed over 4,973 loaves of Cannabis Sativa weighing 2,433kg, two suspects, and 195 bottles of 300ml codeine to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday for further investigation and prosecution.
Addressing journalists in Lagos during the handover ceremony, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, explained that the seizures were made across the South-Western waterways following effective inter-agency collaboration.
According to Controller Bamisaiye, “You will recall just last week, on Friday 21st February 2025, to be precise, the command informed members of the press of the seizure of 53 sacks of Cannabis Sativa.
“In a recent operation by one of the Command Patrol teams on Monday within the Badagry axis, two suspects with 29 loaves of Cannabis Sativa concealed in a sack of re-bagged rice were intercepted.
“Today, we formally hand over 4,973 loaves of Cannabis Sativa, two suspects, and 195 bottles of 300ml codeine to NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
“These seizures were made across the South-Western waterways, reaffirming our commitment at the Western Marine Command to securing our waterways and stopping illicit trade.
“This success is a result of strong inter-agency collaboration. No single agency can win this fight alone, and together, we are making a real impact.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the management team for providing the right equipment, welfare, and good working conditions that empower its officers to carry out their duties effectively.
“To our colleagues in NDLEA and NAFDAC, we trust this handover will aid the fight against drug abuse and illicit trade. Our message to smugglers is clear—we are vigilant, we are resolute, and we will not relent.”
On his part, the Marine Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Emmanuel Udoh, said that the agency will ensure proper investigation and prosecution of the handed-over suspects and exhibits.
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