Customs Seizes N398m Cannabis in Largest Single Seizure

The Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, made the announcement while briefing newsmen. He stated that officers intercepted 3,793 loaves of cannabis along the waterways near Bar Beach Outstation.

According to him, the smugglers attempted to outrun the officers, but when they realized they could not escape, they abandoned their boat and jumped into the sea.

“Our officers, having received credible intelligence, were patrolling close to Ilase Sea Beach at about 200 nautical miles from the Lagos anchorage when they sighted the smugglers.

“The boat was quickly secured and brought to our office, where it was found to contain 3,793 loaves of cannabis packed in 53 sacks,” he added.

The customs controller reaffirmed the command’s commitment to keeping Nigeria’s waterways free of illicit substances, warning smugglers that they will find no safe haven under his leadership.

“This seizure is consistent with our resolve to sustain an aggressive anti-smuggling drive. We are determined to make the waterways a hostile zone for smugglers and ensure a secure environment for legitimate trade.”

He also assured that the seized cannabis would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution, in line with established procedures.

This came as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Adewale Bashir, has charged the newly promoted Comptrollers to uphold the integrity of the Service by protecting its interests and ensuring that their decisions align with Customs’ mandate.

He gave the charge while delivering a lecture titled The Strategic Environment and Effective Service Delivery in the Nigeria Customs Service at a leadership Retreat for newly promoted comptrollers to equip them with the necessary skills for effective service delivery.

The retreat, was a collaboration between the Department of Human Resources Development and the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), was held in Abuja, Nigeria over the weekend.

Mr Adeniyi enjoined the officers to take a keen interest in the welfare of their subordinates, emphasising that leadership requires technical expertise and a deep sense of responsibility toward their officers.