By Correspondent in Lagos.
A smuggling syndicate narrowly escaped arrest after abandoning 15 sacks of cannabis sativa, weighing 538 kilograms and valued at N107.2 million, during a raid by the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, revealed this in a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Magaji Mailafiya.
The illicit drugs, concealed in 1,021 loaves, were intercepted by Customs officers patrolling the Ajido Waterways near the Yekeme axis. The smugglers fled the scene, abandoning their boat and the consignment when they spotted the officers approaching.
“Upon sighting our vigilant marine officers, the suspects abandoned the items and fled the scene,” Bamisaiye said.
Despite the suspects’ escape, the officers secured the sacks, transferred them to official patrol boats, and transported the contraband to the Western Marine Command Headquarters for further investigation.
The Area Controller praised the ongoing support from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his team for equipping the Command with the tools necessary to combat smuggling along Nigeria’s waterways.
“This seizure is a clear warning to smugglers that there is no safe haven for their illicit activities. The Western Marine Command remains committed to protecting our waterways and ensuring a secure environment for lawful trade,” Bamisaiye emphasized.
Authorities are intensifying efforts to track down the fleeing suspects while warning criminal elements against using the waterways for illegal activities during the festive season.
Investigations into the origin and intended destination of the intercepted cannabis are ongoing.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
