Western Marine Command Hands over Seizes 4,973 Loaves of Cannabis Sativa Codeine to NDLEA , NAFDAC in major crackdown on illicit Trade
In a significant milestone in the fight against illicit trade and drug abuse, the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over a massive haul of 4,973 loaves of Cannabis Sativa and 195 bottles of 300ml codeine to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) respectively.
The handover ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, was attended by top officials of the NCS, NDLEA, NAFDAC, and other stakeholders. Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, who represented the Western Marine Command, highlighted the significance of the seizure and the importance of inter-agency collaboration in the fight against illicit trade.
According to Comptroller Bamisaiye, the seizure was made possible by the tireless efforts of the Customs personnel, who have been working relentlessly to secure the South-Western waterways. He noted that the seizures were made across the region, reaffirming the Command's commitment to stopping illicit trade and securing the country's borders.
The Cannabis Sativa and codeine were seized in two separate operations by the Customs personnel. The first operation, which took place on Friday, February 21, 2025, resulted in the seizure of 53 sacks of Cannabis Sativa. The second operation, which occurred on Monday, February 24, 2025, led to the interception of two suspects with 29 loaves of Cannabis Sativa concealed in a sack of rebagged rice.
Comptroller Bamisaiye commended the Comptroller-General of Customs and the management team for providing the necessary equipment, welfare, and good working conditions that have empowered the Customs personnel to carry out their duties effectively. He also expressed his appreciation to the NDLEA and NAFDAC for their collaboration and support in the fight against illicit trade.
The handover ceremony was attended by representatives of the NDLEA and NAFDAC, who expressed their gratitude to the Customs for the seizure and handover of the illicit substances. They assured that the substances would be further investigated and prosecuted accordingly.
The ceremony served as a strong warning to smugglers and illicit traders that the authorities are vigilant and resolute in their efforts to combat illicit trade and drug abuse. As Comptroller Bamisaiye aptly put it, "Our message to smugglers is clear – we are vigilant, we are resolute, and we will not relent."
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