Western Marine Customs Reinforces Maritime Border Protection, Intercepts 1,205 Wraps of Cannabis

The Nigeria Customs Service NCS, Western Marine Command, has intensified its maritime border protection efforts with the interception of 20 sacks of Cannabis Indica valued at ?157.83 million. 

Addressing journalists at the command on Wednesday, January 14, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, said the illicit drugs were carefully packed into 1,205 wraps and were suspected to have been unlawfully smuggled into the country through the waterways.

He attributed the success to the motivation from the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, enhanced intelligence gathering and improved collaboration with other security agencies. 

"This January, we will be taking delivery of seven boats, brand new ones, and I know that the Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, is reaching everywhere to make sure that operations are handled effortlessly. So this month we will take delivery of seven boats. And when we do, we will get into the sea. We will be more efficient, more effective, and we will try to achieve more goals", Ntadi stated. 

Beyond enforcement, the CAC highlighted the command's efforts in facilitating legitimate trade. According to him, the Container Seat team successfully escorted 21,414 containers from the main port to various bonded terminals to ensure transparency, compliance and the smooth movement of cargo.

"These operational achievements reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the command to its statutory responsibilities of revenue protection, border security and trade facilitation”, he added. 

The intercepted drugs were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

Earlier, Comptroller Ntadi received other Area Controllers within Zone A, including Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba of Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Joe Anani of Port & Terminal Multi-Services Limited and Comptroller Frank Onyeka of Tin Can Island Port Command.

Speaking during the Command’s parade, the visiting Area Controllers urged officers to maintain high standards of discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

“Discipline is key, building yourself up is key, having foresight for the service is key. The only way for us to survive in this environment is to be very professional”, Comptroller Oshoba said.

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