Florence Sadiku
THE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, has formally handed over 4,973 loaves of Cannabis Sativa and two suspects to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
Similarly, the Command also handed over 195 bottles of 300ml codeine to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, the handover at the Command on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, resulted from the Command’s recent operations. “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 Badagry axis, two suspects with 29 loaves of Cannabis Sativa concealed in a sack of rebagged rice were intercepted”, the CAC stated.
He noted that the seizures were made across the South-Western waterways, reaffirming their commitment to securing the waterways and stopping illicit trade. “This success is a result of strong inter-agency collaboration. No single agency can win this fight alone; together, we are making a real impact. Our message to smugglers is clear; We are vigilant, resolute, and will not relent.”
Receiving the items, the Marine Commander of the NDLEA, Emmanuel Udo, noted that the agency will ensure proper investigation and prosecution of the handed-over suspects and illicit items while also commending the service for their efforts in the fight against drug trafficking.
Eighteen-Eleven Media