Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, has intensified its anti-smuggling operations along Nigeria’s waterways with the seizure of cannabis and pharmaceutical products worth over N235.7 million.
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, disclosed this during a news conference and handover ceremony on Wednesday in Lagos.
Ntadi said the command intercepted 822 loaves of cannabis sativa and cannabis indica, which were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and destruction.
He added that 532 bottles of pharmaceutical products, including codeine and other controlled substances, were also transferred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to him, the seizures were recorded through intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating smuggling, protecting public health and strengthening border security.
Ntadi said officers also seized 10 bales of second-hand clothing, 569 pairs of used adult shoes and 517 pairs of children’s shoes during the operations.
He disclosed that smugglers concealed narcotics inside sacks of used clothing in an attempt to evade detection.
“We received credible intelligence that smugglers were disguising contraband inside used textiles.
“When officers intercepted and searched the consignment, large quantities of cannabis concealed inside the sacks were discovered,” he said.
The comptroller said 320 loaves of cannabis sativa were recovered from the 10 sacks of second-hand clothing.
He described the interception as a major breakthrough in efforts to curb trans-border crimes along Nigeria’s waterways.
Ntadi noted that some suspects escaped arrest by jumping into the waterways during the operation.
The comptroller commended officers and men of the command for their professionalism and resilience despite the operational risks associated with marine anti-smuggling activities.
He also praised the collaboration between Customs, NDLEA and NAFDAC, noting that inter-agency cooperation remained critical to tackling illicit drug trafficking and prohibited imports.
Receiving the seized drugs, Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Apapa Strategic Command of NDLEA, Mr. Akinwunmi Olufemi, commended the NCS for its sustained efforts against drug smuggling.
“We see Customs as our brothers. We have maintained strong cooperation over the years to rid the country of agents of darkness seeking to destroy Nigeria through drug trafficking,” he said.
Olufemi assured that the collaboration between both agencies would continue to strengthen surveillance across waterways and land borders.
He warned perpetrators to desist from the illegal trade, stressing that offenders arrested would face prosecution.
“There is no way the law will not catch up with them. If arrested, they will be prosecuted and jailed,” he said.
Meanwhile, the African International Wrestling Federation honoured Ntadi for his anti-smuggling efforts and support for youth-focused advocacy initiatives.
The organisation also unveiled a campaign titled “Pro-Wrestling Against Border Smuggling,” aimed at using sports entertainment to sensitise youths on the dangers of smuggling and cross-border crimes.
According to the organisers, the initiative will promote lawful trade, responsible citizenship and youth empowerment through awareness campaigns and collaboration with security agencies. (NAN).
