Anti-smuggling on sea :  Customs at Western Marine strengthens inter-agency collaboration

Anti-smuggling on sea :  Customs at Western Marine strengthens inter-agency collaboration

…Hands over 8,240 parcels of cannabis sativa to NDLEA

The Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service has strengthened inter-agency collaboration with other government agencies to enhance greater productivity in its anti-smuggling operations on Sea.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, COMPT. O. A. SALEFU demonstrated this when he handed over 8,240 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) and 23,000 Capsules of 100mg Tramadol to NDLEA for further investigation.

Speaking during the occasion, the Area Controller informed :
“The reason for our briefing today is to keep the media and public abreast of our latest effort to puncture the evil ranks of smuggling and illicit trade of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) along our coastal waters. Also, to hand over 103 sacks containing 8,240 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) and 23,000 Capsules of 100mg of Tramadol to NDLEA for further action.

“On Thursday August 3, 2023, at about 0400hrs the Command upon a follow-up on one of its numerous leads, received credible intelligence, that a crime was about to be committed, information reached the Command that there was an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of Cannabis Sativa into the Country through our western waterways from a neighbouring Country.

“The Command immediately assembled a joint patrol Team of Marine patrol Officers and set out towards Ibeju Lekki Deep Sea costal water where they intercepted one wooden boat with two Yamaha outboard engines loaded with 103 sacks of Cannabis Sativa.”

The CAC disclosed : “The smugglers upon sighting our patrol Team dived into the water and abandoned their boat with all the items in it. The prohibited items were immediately brought to Western Marine Command Headquarters Ibafon APAPA and found to contain 8,240 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, with a total weight of 3,811kg.

“The street value of the cannabis sativa stands at N692,160,000 (approximately N692.2million).
The duty paid value for the means of conveyance and two Yamaha outboard engines of 40 horse power each stands at N7,350,000 (approximately N7.4million).
These items have a combined value of N699.5million.”

The CAC frowned : “The inordinate quest by citizens to get rich by all means fuels the menace of smuggling. Citizens must understand that smuggling is injurious to our economy. Smuggling of hard drugs has even more devastating effect on our health and the economy.”

His words: “The Command while facilitating trade continues to stand as the frontier along our waterways to guard the Nation under very strenuous and challenging circumstances against illicit and illegal trade bringing injuries to our economy and health.

“While appreciating the media and the public for their patriotic and nationalistic reportage, I wish to remind you that we must partner together to rid our Nation of unhealthy and dangerous trade practice that have the potential to bring us down as a people.

“Our profound appreciation goes to the CGC and his Management Team, who have given the Command the needed motivation and impetus to go after smugglers. In performing our statutory responsibilities, we pledge our loyalty to the Service Management and to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”