The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over cannabis sativa, weighing 788 kilogrammes, and 386 bottles of codeine syrup to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), respectively.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Comptroller PK Bamisaiye, Customs Area Controller of the Western Marine Command, gave details of the operations that led to the seizures.
He said that the cannabis sativa was confiscated during three separate operations at Ijegun Waterside, Bar Beach, and Ekare Beach Front in November 2024, resulting in the arrest of three suspects
In a related development, the Command also intercepted 295 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, seven bags of 50kg refined granulated sugar, and 900 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at various locations, including the “Point of No Return” in Badagry and Panko Ere waterfronts. The PMS was disposed of in line with extant laws.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items was estimated at ₦182,196,000. Comptroller Bamisaiye emphasized that these operations align with the directives of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) to protect Nigeria’s economy and ensure public safety.
He expressed concern over the rising cases of smuggling, attributing it to the “inordinate quest to get rich by any means,” which he warned has devastating effects on the economy and public health. “The smuggling of hard drugs and other contraband is injurious to our economy and harmful to our health. The Western Marine Command is more determined than ever to rid our waterways of all acts of smuggling and economic sabotage,” he stated.
The Command reiterated its commitment to enforcing trade restrictions and fiscal policies while calling on citizens to support the fight against smuggling for the collective good of the nation.
On his part, the Marine Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Emmanuel Udoh Morrison, emphasized the urgent need for enhanced collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to effectively tackle drug abuse and trafficking.
Speaking during the visit at the Western Marine Command in Lagos, Commander Morrison highlighted the evolving challenges of drug enforcement and the critical role of inter-agency synergy in addressing them.
Morrison expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of drug abuse, even among law enforcement officers and their families. “Many of our colleagues are involved in drug abuse, and even at home, some parents face challenges with their children experimenting with drugs,” he said. He urged parents to stay informed about the emergence of new, odorless drugs like tramadol, which are difficult to detect but equally harmful.
Addressing the command, Morrison acknowledged the longstanding efforts of the NCS in combating drug smuggling, even before the establishment of the NDLEA. “Customs has been fighting the drug war for decades. There is documented evidence of seizures, arrests, and exhibit transfers, which highlight the existing cooperation between both agencies,” he noted.
Morrison called for further strengthening of this partnership, particularly in terms of resource sharing. “Customs possesses the capacity, from flying boats to strategically positioned outposts, that can enhance NDLEA’s operations. For instance, in some locations, our officers lack adequate accommodation. Even providing a room or two for our teams can significantly improve our efforts,” he appealed.
He also praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its proactive stance and reiterated the need for continuous collaboration. “We are here to build on the synergy and leverage Customs’ expertise and infrastructure to better combat drug trafficking across our waterways,” Morrison concluded.
On his part, the Director Investigation & Enforcement of NAFDAC, Shaba Muhammed underscored the importance of coordinated action among government agencies to address the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
The NAFDAC Director who was represented by the Principal Regulatory Officer, Isah Salihu lauded the handover of the contraband items and the decisive actions of the Western Marine Command which according to him, demonstrates the NCS’s resolve to maintain security along Nigeria’s waterways and uphold the country’s economic stability.
