The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, has recorded a major operational success with the seizure of 20 sacks of Cannabis Indica valued at ₦157.8 million, alongside the secure escort of 21,414 containers across Nigeria’s ports within the period under review.
The seized consignment, comprising 1,205 loaves of Cannabis Indica, was intercepted during a recent anti-smuggling operation by officers of the Command. The Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists on the Command’s activities.
Ntadi explained that the illicit drugs were carefully concealed and suspected to have been smuggled into the country through Nigeria’s inland waterways. He said the interception underscored the Command’s unwavering commitment to securing the maritime environment, protecting the national economy, and enforcing customs regulations.
Beyond enforcement, the Controller noted that the Command has continued to deliver on its trade facilitation mandate. According to him, the Western Marine Container Escort Team successfully escorted 21,414 containers from seaports to designated bonded terminals, ensuring compliance with customs procedures, transparency, and the seamless movement of legitimate cargo.
“These achievements reflect our statutory responsibilities of border security, revenue protection, and trade facilitation”, Ntadi said.
“We remain resolute in combating smuggling and other criminal activities that threaten national security and economic stability”.
He attributed the Command’s successes to improved intelligence gathering, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and the strategic leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi.
Ntadi also acknowledged the support of sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Marine Police, and the Nigeria Immigration Service, describing their cooperation as critical to operational effectiveness.
The Western Marine Command reassured the public of its continued determination to suppress smuggling and all forms of illicit maritime activities, while ensuring strict enforcement of customs laws and the protection of Nigeria’s maritime borders