WMC Customs Laments Escape of Drug Dealers At High Sea

…Intercepts N398m Boat Load of Cannabis Sativa

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

Compt. Bamisaiye dislpaying a loaf of the substance

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command (WMC) with head office at Coconut, Olodi-Apapa Lagos says it intercepted a boat carrying 53 sacks of Cannabis Sativa, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N398,265,000.

Lamenting the criminal dexterity of the suspects, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller PK Bamisaiye said despite that the operation took place about 200 nautical miles into the sea, the boat owners jumped into the sea and escaped.

A statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Lomba Benjamin said the illicit substances have been handed over to the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

L-R: Command PRO Lomba and some of the operatives involved in the arrest

The statement reads: “The Western Marine Command’s resolve to keep re-strategizing its operational modalities especially in the area of anti-smuggling activities has continued to pay off.  The result of the intensified efforts by the ever focused and eagle-eyed officers of the Command on Thursday 20 February, 2025 at about 2300 hours (11pm) inside the sea has led to the highest single operational seizure of cannabis sativa under the exceptional leadership of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller PK Bamisaiye.

“You will recall two months ago, the Command made a seizure of 15 sacks of cannabis Sativa weighting 538kg and comprising of 1,021 loaves worth N107,205,000 of the illicit substance. Commenting on the Seizure, Comptroller Bamisaiye said, 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 smugglers tried to outrun our officers but when they couldn’t, they decided to abandon their boat by jumping into the sea. The boat was quickly secured and brought to the office where it was found to contain 3,793 loaves of cannabis sativa divided into 53 sacks and weighted 1,958kg. The Duty paid value of the seizure is N398,265,000”, he said.

The Area Controller appreciated the CGC and his management team for being instrumental in supporting the fight against smuggling operations by providing critical resources and equipment to the Western Marine Command. In line with the established procedures the hard drugs will be handed over to Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

“In addition, we shall continue to partner with other sister agencies in ensuring that our nation’s borders are well protected. This seizure is consistent with the Command’s resolve as earlier stated to sustain its anti-smuggling drive and operations. The Command re-iterate its commitment to making our waterway axis a no safe haven for smugglers thereby creating a secure and thriving environment free from all illicit goods.

“Consequently, the Command is warning all unpatriotic elements to desist from this illegal business or they will be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.”