Bamisaiye Spoils End-of-Year Festivities For Smugglers

…As WMC Operatives Intercepts 15 Sacks Of Cannabis Sativa

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The leadership of the Western Marine Command (WMC) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) may have spoilt the Xmas and New Year Festivities for unscrupulous elements who have perfected tactics to smuggle drugs into the country to make quick money for the festivities.

The seized sacks of marijuana

The latest seizures made on 16th of December, 2024, according to a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, SC Magaji Mailafiya, comprise of 1,021 parcels of cannabis sativa, otherwise known as wee-wee, igbo or marijuana in local parlance.

The statement quoted the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye as saying that he has fortified all the waterways within its jurisdiction against the movements of any illegal goods within the yuletide; and vow to crush any attempt to act against the interest of the country.

The statement reads: “In furtherance of its anti-smuggling mandate, the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on the 16th of December, 2024,

effected another seizure of 15 sacks of Cannabis Sativa containing 1,021 loaves of the illicit substances.

“The consignment, which was intercepted by our officers along the Ajido waterways in the Yekeme axis of the Command, was examined at the Command headquarters and found to have a total weight of 538kg with a

Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N107,205,000.00.

“The consignment was intercepted at the waterfront while the suspected smugglers had grounded their boat in an attempt to offload the illicit items onto land.  Upon sighting our vigilant Marine officers, the suspects abandoned the items and fled the scene.

“Despite the hostile environment, the Patrol Team successfully secured the sacks, transferred them into our official patrol boats, and transported the contraband to the Western Marine Command Headquarters for further investigation.”

Comptroller Bamisaiye while thanking the leadership of the NCS warned smugglers not to test the command’s resolve, noting that it has all the wherewithal to combat and frustrate all acts of smuggling within its command.

“The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) and his management team has been instrumental in supporting this fight against smuggling operations by providing critical resources and equipment to the Western Marine Command. This support has empowered the Command to achieve remarkable successes in ensuring that smugglers have no safe haven on our waterways, thereby creating a secure and thriving environment for legitimate trade.

“The Western Marine Command, under the leadership of Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, wishes to emphasis the readiness of its operatives to ensure that the waterways remain effectively secured from smuggling activities during this festive period.

“The Command is not unaware that some unpatriotic members of the public usually attempt to take advantage of the Yuletide season to execute their nefarious acts of smuggling. It hereby warns that strategies have been perfected for the coming holiday season to checkmate all such criminal acts”, adding:

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to protecting the nation’s waterways and ensuring a safe environment for lawful trade and activities.”