Customs Intercept Cannabis Worth N1.1bn On Lagos Waterways

The Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted 232 sacks of cannabis worth N1.1billion, as well as used foreign shoes, second-hand clothing, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), foreign rice, hard drugs among others between July and September 2021.

The Acting Area Controller of the Command, DC Enonche Ochiba made this known while addressing newsmen on the activities of the marine based Customs Command in the last quarter.

DC Ochiba stated that the Coastal and Harbour Patrol officers together with the Comptroller Surveillance and Monitoring Team while on patrol along Kuramo Beach accosted, and intercepted 232 sacks suspected to be cannabis sativa popularly known as ‘marijuana’ with an average of 46Kg per sack.

According to him, an estimated total of 10,672Kg amounted to a street value of N1,120,560,000.00, even as he said that no arrest was made as the smugglers dived into the sea on sighting the patrol team.

The Acting Area Controller also revealed that while on stop and search operations along the waterways at Pashi of Yekeme axis, the operatives of the Command discovered some powder substances suspected to be heroine concealed in a carton of noodles weighing a total of 1.52Kg valued N40, 860,841.02 and one suspect in connection with the seizure was arrested.

Ochiba also noted that 45 packs of 225mg Tramadol Hydrochloride with a Value of N954,934.02 at Yekeme axis were intercepted and some sacks suspected to contain expired drugs with the total value of N 62,252,794.00 were also seized along Abumbum-Ojo waterways. He said other seizures made within July and September 2021 were 883 Bags of 50Kg foreign parboiled rice, 49 sacks of used shoes, 44 sacks of new shoes, 245 kegs X 25 liters of PMS, One 40 Hp Yamaha outboard engine, six bales, and three sacks of second-hand clothing and bags.

“The sacks of drugs were evacuated to the base and upon physical examination, they were found to contain drugs that have expired on the 27 April 2017 with the total value of N 62,252,794.00). The drugs include 817 Bottles of B-Vital, 1,158 Bottles of Kordy-capsule, 3,110 Bottles of Double Ginseng, 619 Bottles of Detoxin, 607 Bottles of B-care,198 Sachets of Ninhuang Jeedu pian, 1,200 Sachets of St Formula, 475 Bottles of Apetamin Syrup, 7 Bottles of Spinsure Table, 17 Bottles of Danshen Plus, 7 Bottles of Arthro capsule, 13 Bottles of Spinsore Pill, 123 Bottles of Chitomeal, Bundles of printed labels of Double Ginseng with Batch no. DG 04021 with MFG Date: 29042021 and expiring Date of 28042024” he said.

The Customs boss, however, noted that this feat was achieved through the re-organization of the anti-smuggling activities of the Officers and Men of the Command in consolidating on the successes of his predecessor in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col Hameed Alli (rtd).

The Customs boss, while handing over the seized drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), commended the inter-agency collaboration between sister agencies and the Customs.

His words: “Let me use this medium to commend the Nigerian Navy for their support towards the anti-smuggling drive of the Command and also the NDLEA together with other sister agencies for their support. This seizure is a symbol of cordial working relationship with Sister Agencies and also depicts that the security agencies have no overlapping functions in the discharge of our statutory responsibilities”.

On his part, the NDLEA Area Commander and Assistant Commander General Narcotics, Mr. Samuel Gadzama while receiving the seized drug items, expressed delight at the synergy and cooperation between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA.

He, however, commended the Service for their continued support and improved working relationship particularly since the new NDLEA boss, Gen. Muhammed Buba Marwa assumed office.

The NDLEA representative noted that Marwa has charged officers not to relent but intensify their efforts for the good of the nation.