By Abigail Philip David
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, announced the interception of 53 sacks containing cannabis sativa weighing 1,958kg, with a duty-paid value of N398 million, in Lagos.
The seizure was revealed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Lomba Benjamin, in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the Customs Area Controller for the command, Paul Bamisaiye, the illegal shipment was intercepted at Ilase Sea Beach, approximately 200 nautical miles from the Lagos Anchorage. Bamisaiye explained that the smugglers attempted to flee upon being spotted but were outmaneuvered by the officers. “They abandoned the boat and jumped into the sea,” he stated.
The officers quickly secured the vessel and transported it to the office, where they discovered 3,793 loaves of cannabis divided into 53 sacks, weighing a total of 1,958kg. The duty-paid value of the confiscated drugs was estimated at N398 million.
This seizure, made on Thursday around 11pm, marks the largest cannabis interception during Bamisaiye’s tenure. Two months ago, the command had intercepted 15 sacks containing 1,021 loaves of cannabis sativa weighing 538kg, valued at N107 million.
Bamisaiye expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his team for their ongoing support in the fight against smuggling, particularly through the provision of vital resources and equipment.
Following established procedures, the seized drugs will be handed over to the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Bamisaiye reiterated that the command will continue collaborating with other agencies to ensure the nation’s borders are effectively secured.
