WMC Intercepts Massive Cannabis Shipment, Seizes 1,021 Loaves in Latest Anti-smugging Operation

WMC Intercepts Massive Cannabis shipment and seizes 1,021 Loaves in the Anti-smugging Operation

By Prince Benson Davies

As part of its ongoing anti-smuggling efforts, the Nigeria Customs Service’s Western Marine Customs Command successfully seized 1,021 loaves of Cannabis sativa, packed in 15 sacks, on December 16, 2024.

The seizure was announced by the CAC Paul Bamisaiye of the Command and made available to the press by the Command Public Relations Office Superintendent of Customs, Magaji Mailafiya, that the consignment was intercepted by their officers along the Ajido waterways in the Yekeme axis of the Command and was examined at the Command headquarters and found to have a total weight of 538 kg with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N107,205,000.00.

The consignment was intercepted at the waterfront while the suspected smugglers had grounded their boat to offload the illicit items onto land.

Upon sighting the vigilant Marine officers, the suspects abandoned the items and fled. Despite the hostile environment, the Patrol Team successfully secured the sacks, transferred them to the official patrol boats, and transported the contraband to the Western Marine Command Headquarters for further investigation.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) and his management team have supported the fight against smuggling operations by providing critical resources and equipment to the Western Marine Command. This support has empowered the Command to achieve remarkable successes in ensuring that smugglers have no haven on Nigeria’s waterways, thereby creating a secure and thriving environment for legitimate trade.

The Western Marine Command, under the leadership of Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, expresses its readiness to ensure that the waterways remain effectively secured from smuggling activities during this critical festive period.

The Command is not unaware that some unpatriotic members of the public usually attempt to take advantage of the Yuletide season to execute their nefarious acts of smuggling. It hereby warns that strategies have been perfected for the coming holiday season to checkmate all such criminal acts.

The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to protecting the nation’s waterways and ensuring a safe environment for lawful trade and activities.