The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted Cannabis Sativa worth more than N2 billion and suspected two sacks of gunpowder on waterways between June and October 2022.
While briefing the pressmen in Apapa, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Abubakar Umar, said that the 29,660 cannabis sativa parcels of Cannabis sativa with a total weight of 16,663kg were seized by the command.
While handing over the illicit drugs to the anti-narcotic agency, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), he decried the high rate at which Cannabis sativa is being smuggled into the country from Ghana.
“In this era of insecurity in the country, Customs would do everything to ensure that such illicit items are not getting into the market. Nobody knows what would have happened if the quantity of that cannabis Sativa gets into the market where youth would have access to it.
He emphasised that the command seized foreign parboiled rice of kilogram size: 1,575 bags, equivalent to more than two trailer loads of rice worth N39. 375 million from the smugglers.
Other items seized includes 28,735 liters of PMS contained in 1,077 kegs of 25-liter size, equivalent to about one load of PMS worth N4,921 billion, and seven wooden boats with four engines as means of conveyance worth N13.750 million.
Controller Umar said the importation of foreign parboiled rice HS Code 1006.30.1000 is restricted by policy by the Federal Government since March 2016 and any improper importation of foreign rice contrary to Section 46 of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN 2004 as amended.
“Improper importation or exportation of PMS HS Code 2710.12.4000 and 2710.12.5000 across land borders and waterways in Nigeria contrary to Section 46 (forfeiture of goods improperly imported) and section 63 (forfeiture of goods improperly exported) of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN 2004 as amended,”
He added that the cooperation from members and leaders of the host communities, commitment, dedication, and bravery of its officers and men are the factors that aided the performance of the command.
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