The Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, has reinforced its commitment to tackling illicit drug trafficking as it handed over 4,973 loaves of Cannabis Sativa and two suspects to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.
The command also transferred 195 bottles of 300ml codeine to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control showing a multi-agency approach to tackling smuggling and drug-related crimes.
At a press briefing held at the command headquarters on Wednesday, February 26, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, the Customs Area Controller, revealed that the seizures were a result of intensified patrol operations across the South-Western waterways.
“You will recall that just last week, on Friday, February 21, 2025, we announced the seizure of 53 sacks of Cannabis Sativa. Again, on Monday, February 24, our patrol team intercepted two suspects around the Badagry axis, concealing 29 loaves of Cannabis Sativa in a sack of rebagged rice,” Bamisaiye disclosed.
The Customs boss attributed the success to strong collaboration among security agencies, stressing that “no single agency can win this fight alone.”
He also issued a stern warning to smugglers, vowing that the NCS would remain vigilant and unrelenting in its efforts to secure Nigeria’s waterways against illicit trade.
Receiving the contraband, NDLEA Marine Commander Emmanuel Udo assured that the agency would ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of the suspects.
He commended Customs for its sustained vigilance, emphasizing that such seizures dealt a major blow to the illicit drug network operating through the nation’s waterways.
The Western Marine Command has ramped up anti-smuggling operations in recent months, with authorities keen on disrupting the supply chain of illicit drugs and contraband that fuel crime and insecurity across Nigeria.
