Over 120 giant bags of Indian hemp valued at N704 million were given to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency by the Nigeria Customs Service’s Western Marine Command.
The command’s chief Customs Area Controller, Odaudu Salefu, told reporters recently that the contrabands had been found during three separate raids at the command in Ibafon, Apapa, Lagos.
Salefu clarified that, between November 2023 and January 2024, the contrabands were discovered at Jegemo Island, which is across from Iworo Ajido Waterfront, and Asipa Beach, which is along Seme Borders.
He criticized the impact of drugs and psychoactive substances on the young of Nigeria.
The command would not let up on apprehending the smugglers, the CAC pledged.
Remember that the NCS and the NDLEA signed a Memorandum of Understanding in April 2023 to guarantee cooperation and coordination in tracking hard drug trafficking along Nigeria’s entry points.
According to Salefu, “the command to turn over a total of 120 sacks containing 10,551 loaves of cannabis sativa with a total value of N704.5m to NDLEA for further agency action had been directed by the leadership of the NCS under the current CGC, Adewale Adeniyi.”
He continued by saying that the transfer was the result of the police in charge’s courage, hard work, and dedication. They had worked honorably and diligently to end the smugglers’ monopoly on such strong medicines.
Salefu stated, “The command will now work with NDLEA to effect the arrest of these wicked traders. These seizures were also a product of our command’s wide network of intelligence with suspects of these trades still at large.”
He reaffirmed that the command was unwavering in its determination to protect the country’s economic interests by collaborating with sister agencies when needed.
Salefu advised Nigerians to stop engaging in unlawful and illegal cross-border trading, citing negative effects on the country’s overall economy and people’s health.
Paul Ahom, the NDLEA Commander of Narcotics, said the command stood out from others when he accepted the cannabis, particularly in terms of stopping smuggling.
We sincerely thank you for your efforts, praise you, and look forward to working with much more to combat drug trafficking on our waterways.
It is important to remember that waterways are porous, unlike land-based operations. Catching traffickers on the canal is just as dangerous, Ahom said.