Customs Marine Handover N704m Indian Hemp To NDLEA 

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command Monday handed over a total of one hundred and twenty, 120, sacks containing 10,551 loaves of cannabis sativa, known in local parlance as wee-wee to the to Nigeria Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

Briefing the press, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Salefu  Odaudu who said the illicit substances has a street value of N704,518,000.00 disclosed that the seizures were made in two locations within the command.

He explained that the Service will continue to partner with the NDLEA despite the handover to track down the perpetrators, who escaped arrest.

Comptroller Salefu note that the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to show interest in the wellbeing of Nigerian citizens by ensuring that unwholesome products distributed by undesirable elements is promptly identified and impounded.

He explained that the handover follows the approval of the leadership of the service, noting that both organizations will continue to synergize on combat against drugs.

“In upholding the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, between Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Signed on the 4th of April 2023 to ensure synergy and collaboration in tackling illicit traffic in hard drugs along Nigeria’s entry and exit points.

“The Service under the leadership of the CGC, BA Adeniyi MFR has directed the Western Marine Command to handover a total of One hundred and twenty, 120, sacks containing 10,551 loaves of cannabis sativa with a total value of N704,518,000.00 to Nigeria Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for further agency action”, he said.

He continued: “Today’s event is a product of the hard work, dedication and bravery of my officers who have worked with diligence and integrity to puncture the reign of smugglers of these hard drugs.

“This seizure is also a product of our command’s wide network of intelligence with suspects of these trade still at large but the command will now work with NDLEA to effect the arrest of these wicked traders.

“The 120 bags handed over to NDLEA today were seizure in 3 different operations at Jegemo Island opposite Iworo Ajido Waterfront and Asipa Beach along Seme borders on the 29th of November, 2023, 2nd of December, 2023 and 19th of January, 2024.”

The Controller of the customs flagship marine command said officers of the command are professional in their operations, and are highly motivated by unprecedented support by the leadership and management of the Service.

“As you may be aware, the Western Marine Command of Nigerian Customs Service is the flagship Marine Command of the Service and one of the 4 Marine Commands of Nigeria Customs Service charged with the responsibility of securing the Western Waterways against smuggling activities and unwholesome trade practices while also facilitating legitimate trade in an Area of Responsibility”, which he says runs across 3 states in Western Nigeria, namely Lagos, Ogun and Ondo State.

He warned those engaged in the illicit business to have a change of mind or be prepared, nothing that the command will spare no action to bringing them to account.

“The Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service remain steadfast in its commitment to safeguard the Nation’s economic interest by working with sister agencies whenever necessary.

“I call on all Nigerians to desist from illicit and illegal cross border trade practices as it is bad for the general economic and health welfare of Nigeria and Nigerians.

They should be ready to be decimated wherever they may be or change and embrace legitimate trade.”

Also speaking, NDLEA Commander,  Marine Command, Paul Ahom commended the NCS for the enduring collaboration to fight illicit drug trafficking, noting that the WMC has been exceptional in the synergy.