WMC Hits Hard on Drug Smugglers With Seizure Of N398,265,000 Worth Of Canabis Sativa

The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in its resolve

resolve to keep re-strategizing its operational modalities especially in the area of anti-smuggling activities has continued to pay off, as this has led to the highest singular operational seizure of cannabis sativa under the leadership of Comptroller PK Bamisaiye.

The command, in a press release issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Chief Superintendent of Customs CSC Lomba Benjamin disclose that the command on Thursday, 20th February made a seizure of 3,793kg loaves of cannabis sativa popularly know as Indian Hemp contained in 53 sacks weighting 1,958kg with a Duty paid value DPV of N398,265,000.

Commenting on the Seizure, Comptroller Bamisaiye said, his Officers, while acting on credible intelligence earlier received were patrolling close to Ilase sea beach, at about 200 nautical miles from the Lagos anchorage when they sighted the smugglers. He further stated that the smugglers tried to outrun the officers but when they couldn’t, they decided to abandon their boat by jumping into the sea. The boat was quickly secured and brought to the office where it was found to contain 3,793 loaves of cannabis sativa divided into 53 sacks and weighted 1,958kg. The Duty paid value of the seizure is N398,265,000.

Recall that two months ago, the Command made a seizure of 15 sacks of cannabis Sativa weighting 538kg and comprising of 1,021 loaves worth N107,205,000 of the illicit substance.

The Area Controller appreciated the CGC and his management team for being instrumental in supporting the fight against smuggling operations by providing critical resources and equipment to the Western Marine Command.

These seizures, according to Comptroller Bamisaiye will be handed handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in line with the established procedures and reinstated the service resolve to continue to partner with other sister agencies in ensuring that the nation's borders are well protected.

While reiterating the command's commitment to sustain it's anti smuggling drive and operation, Bamisaiye said, "This seizure is consistent with the Command’s resolve as earlier stated to sustain its anti-smuggling drive and operations. The Command re-iterate its commitment to making our waterway axis a no safe haven for smugglers thereby creating a secure and thriving environment free from all illicit goods.

While warning smugglers against this illicit trade, the CAC said, "The Command is warning all unpatriotic elements to desist from this illegal business or they will be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.

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