Ember month :  Customs at Western Marine steps up security surveillance along waterways, creeks

Ember month :  Customs at Western Marine steps up security surveillance along waterways, creeks
….Seizes Cannabis sativa worth N107.2million in street value

The Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service has stepped up security surveillance along the waterways and creeks following increased commercial activities this ember month, and this renewed anti-smuggling strategy has yielded tremendous results, with the seizure of cannabis sativa worth over N107.2million in street value.

Operatives of the Command made the seizure on December 16, 2024, through intelligence.

The items seized included 15 sacks of Cannabis Sativa containing 1,021
wraps of illicit substances.

The press statement made available to Journalists by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Superintendent of Customs, Magaji Mailafiya, reads; “The consignment, intercepted by our officers along
Ajido waterways at Yekeme axis of the Command, was examined at the
Command headquarters and found to have a total weight of 538kg, with
street Value of N107,205,000.00million.

“The consignment was intercepted at the waterfront while the suspected
smugglers had grounded their boat in an attempt to offload the illicit items onto land”.

The statement added :  “Upon sighting our vigilant Marine officers, the suspects abandoned the items and fled the scene. Despite the hostile environment, the Patrol Team successfully secured the sacks of Cannabis Sativa, transferred them into our official patrol boats, and transported the contraband to Western Marine Command Headquarters for further investigation.

“The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) and his management team have
been instrumental in supporting this fight against smuggling operations
by providing critical resources and equipment to the Western Marine Command. This support has empowered the Command to achieve remarkable successes in ensuring that smugglers have no safe haven on our waterways, thereby creating a secure and thriving environment for
legitimate trade.”

The Western Marine Command, under the leadership of Comptroller Paul
Bamisaiye, expresses its readiness to ensure that the waterways remain
effectively secured from smuggling activities during this critical
festive period.

The Command is not unaware that some unpatriotic members of the
public usually attempt to take advantage of the Yuletide season to execute their nefarious acts of smuggling. It hereby warns that strategies have been perfected for the coming holiday season to checkmate all such criminal acts.

The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to protecting the nation’s waterways and ensuring a safe environment for lawful trade and activities.