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By correspondent in Lagos.
The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Lagos, on Tuesday, handed over three suspects and 1,658 loaves of cannabis sativa, weighing 788kg, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, the Customs Area Controller, officially transferred the narcotics and suspects to the new NDLEA Commander for the Western Marine Command, Mr. Udoh Morrison, during a press briefing on the command’s recent activities.
Bamisaiye expressed satisfaction in handing over the suspects and the seized cannabis, which were intercepted during three separate operations in November at Ijegun Waterside, Bar Beach, and Ekare Beach Front.
He noted that these operations were conducted in accordance with Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
“The seized cannabis sativa and arrested suspects will be handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution,” Bamisaiye stated.
He added that apart from the narcotics, the command also seized 295 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice and seven bags of 50kg refined granulated foreign sugar during anti-smuggling operations at Badagry’s “Point of No Return” and Panko Ere waterfronts on November 21.
Bamisaiye also announced the handover of 386 bottles of 300ml codeine syrup confiscated along the Yekeme-Joforo waterways to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According him, 900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were intercepted and disposed off according to existing regulations.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all seized items during the period is N182.1 million, the Comptroller further disclosed.
Bamisaiye reiterated the command’s commitment to combating smuggling and economic sabotage.
He warned, “The Western Marine Command will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individual or group attempting to undermine the government’s trade restrictions or fiscal policies.”
Responding,8 NDLEA Commander, Udoh Morrison,praised the cooperation between the two agencies, noting that his visit aimed to strengthen such partnership.
He, however ,requested a space within the Western Marine Command for NDLEA officers to enhance their operational efficiency.
Morrison also highlighted the ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, revealing that the NDLEA had received 2.9 tonnes of seized cannabis sativa from the navy since his assumption of duty.
Meanwhile, the NCS handed over the confiscated codeine syrup to NAFDAC. Mr. Shaba Muhammed, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, represented by Principal Regulatory Officer, Mr. Isha Salihu.
Muhammed commended the NCS and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in intercepting unwholesome food items and counterfeit drugs.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
