‘Inordinate Pursuit of Wealth Fueling Drug Smuggling’- Bamisaiye

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller PK Bamisaiye has expressed concerns about undesirable elements bent on sabotaging the security and safety of lives of Nigerians through drug addiction pushed by those he described pursuing material wealth at all cost.

L-R Commader Morrison and Comptroller Bamisaiye during the courtesy visit

Speaking in his office Tuesday when he handed over seized contraband medicaments and illicit substances valued at ₦182,196,000 to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Bamisaiye said such evil enterprise have huge negative consequences of human health and warned those involved to have a rethink.

Canoe load of the seized illicit substances

He said, “The inordinate quest by citizens to get rich by any means fuels the menace of smuggling, citizens must understand that smuggling is injurious to our economy and smuggling of hard drugs has even more devastating effect on our health and the economy.”

The items handed over to the two sister agencies include 1,658 loaves of Cannabis Sativa, weighing 788 kilograms, and 386 bottles of codeine syrup, seized during anti-smuggling operations in November 2024.

Describing the seizures as part of the Command’s intensified efforts to combat smuggling along Nigeria’s waterways, the WMC boss explained that the Cannabis Sativa was intercepted during operations at Ijegun Waterside, Bar Beach, and Ekare Beach Front, which also led to the arrest of three suspects. These actions were carried out in line with Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

In addition to the drugs, the Command also confiscated 295 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, seven bags of 50kg refined granulated sugar, and 900 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at locations including the “Point of No Return” in Badagry and Panko Ere waterfronts.

According to him, while the PMS has been disposed off in accordance with established rules owing to its dangerous, inflammable nature, the handing over of the other seized items is coming on the approval of the head quarters.

Morrison receiving a plaque of appreciation for his visit from Comptroller Bamisaiye

He explained further that the operations are in line with the directives of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) to safeguard the national economy and the public health, stressing that the command remain committed to eliminating all forms of economic sabotage along our waterways.

Bamisaiye surrounded by officers and representatives of NDLEA and NAFDAC while showcasing the seized drugs, top left, leader of one of the arresting units, Abona with others

Addressing journalists on the seizures and handover, Bamisaiye said, “The reason for our briefing today is to keep the media and general public abreast of our latest effort to puncture the evil ranks of smuggling and illicit trade of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) along our coastal water also in line with the Comptroller General of Customs’ (CGC) policy trust, the Western Marine Command under my watch as received approval to handover a total of 1,658 loaves of Cannabis Sativa, weighing 788 kilograms arrested during three separate operations and three (3) suspects.

“These operations took place at Ijegun Waterside, Bar Beach, and Ekare Beach Front in the month of November 2024. These actions are in direct enforcement of Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. The seized Cannabis Sativa and arrested suspects will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

“ In a related development, on the 21 November, 2024 the Command seized 295 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice and some seven bags of 50kg refined granulated foreign sugar at “Point of No Return” in Badagry and Panko Ere waterfronts.

“Again, the Command today will be handing over 386 bottles of 300ml codeine syrup, confiscated along the Yekeme/Joforo waterways, to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) which is in line with the recent understanding reached at the last CGC Conference in Abuja. Additionally, the Command intercepted 900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) which has been disposed in line with extant laws.

“The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all the seized items is ₦182,196,000 and total weight of Cannabis Sativa is 788 Kilogram.”

Announcing the arrest of three suspects connected to the intercepted illicit substances, Bamisaiye remarked that the NCS and the WMC will leave no stone unturned in frustrating the drug traffickers in addition to arresting and prosecuting them.

“Let me use this opportunity to reiterate that the Western Marine Command will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individual or group attempting to undermine the government’s trade restrictions or fiscal policies.

“The Command under my watch is poised more than ever to rid our waterways of all acts of smuggling and economic saboteurs for the benefit of the growth of the economy of Nigeria.”

The briefing which also coincided with the official visit of the NDLEA Marine Commander Udoh Morrison, saw the leaders of the units reiterating need for sustaining synergy and collaboration in order to serve the country better.

While commending the Customs Service for its proactive stance in combating drug smuggling, Morrison acknowledged the longstanding cooperation between the two agencies and called for enhanced collaboration, citing the need for resource sharing and operational support.

“Customs has been at the forefront of the drug war even before the establishment of NDLEA. Their capacity, including flying boats and strategic outposts, is invaluable to our operations,” Morrison remarked. He also stressed the importance of public awareness about modern drugs like tramadol, which are odorless but highly dangerous, urging parents to stay vigilant.

Pharm. Shaba Muhammed, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, who was also at the meeting, expressed the same sentiments. Represented by Principal Regulatory Officer Isah Salihu, Muhammed praised the Customs Service for its decisive actions, describing them as vital to securing Nigeria’s waterways and upholding economic stability.