AGS NEWS – On Tuesday, the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, handed over 17 sacks of Cannabis Sativa, containing 1,257 parcels valued at N96 million, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The drugs were intercepted along Bar Beach in Lagos State.

During the handover in Apapa, Lagos, Customs Area Controller Paul Bamisaiye stated that officers, aiming to curb smuggling in Western waterways, intercepted the 609kg of drugs.

Acting on credible intelligence, a patrol team intercepted a fibre boat with a 200 Horse Power Yamaha engine carrying the contraband.

ALSO READ: Customs raises import duty FX rate to N1,441 per Dollar

Bamisaiye also reported that on May 19, 2024, during a routine patrol along Panko Creek, Badagry waterways, officers intercepted a wooden boat with a 25HP Yamaha engine carrying suspected contraband. The smugglers abandoned the boat and fled.

The examination revealed 505 bags of foreign parboiled rice worth N59.2 million.

These actions violate sections 245 and 254 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. Bamisaiye urged the public to avoid illicit drugs and smuggling, which contribute to economic sabotage and other criminal activities.

ALSO READ: NDLEA arrest businessman with cocaine at Enugu airport

Assistant Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Marine Command, Maggaji Bashiru, praised the customs command for the interception, highlighting the improved collaboration between agencies.

He noted that while security agencies strategize to enforce arrests, smugglers continue to adapt. The NDLEA will conduct a thorough investigation of the seized items.