Western Marine Command Hands Over N704 Million Worth of Seized Sativa Cannabis to NDLEA

Kathy Kyari

Over 120 bags of Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as marijuana, were given to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) by the Nigeria Customs Service's (NCS) Western Marine Command.

The 120 bags had 10,551 loaves of cannabis sativa worth a total of N704,518,000. This was disclosed by the Area Controller, Comptroller Salefu Odaudu.

According to Comptroller Salefu, the seizures took place on November 29, 2023, December 2, 2023, and January 19, 2024, in three separate operations at Jegemo Island, which is across from the Iworo Ajido Waterfront and Asipa Beach near the borders of Seme.

"In upholding the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Customs and 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 120 sacks containing 10,551 loaves of cannabis sativa with a total value of N704,518,000.00 to NDLEA for further agency action."

"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 CAC said.

Salefu warned Nigerians against engaging in unlawful and illegal cross-border trading, pointing out that doing so had serious repercussions for the country's overall economic and health welfare.

Paul Ahom, the Commander of Narcotics at the Drug Enforcement Administration, praised Western Marine Customs for their cooperative efforts with the drug enforcement agency upon receiving the seizures.