The Western Marine Command’s resolve to keep re-strategizing on its operational modalities, especially in the area of anti-smuggling activities, has continued to yield fruits.
This is as a result of the intensified efforts by the ever focused and eagle-eyed officers of the Command on Thursday, 20th February, 2025 at about 2300 hours (11pm) inside the sea, which led to the highest single operational seizure of cannabis sativa under the exceptional leadership of the Customs Area Comptroller, Mr. PK Bamisaiye.
Recall that 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.
Speaking on the Seizure, Comptr. 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,” the CAC said.
The Area Comptroller appreciated CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi 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 National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as the CAC promised to continue to partner with other sister agencies in ensuring that the nation’s borders are well protected.
This seizure is said to be consistent with the Command’s resolve as earlier stated, to sustain its anti-smuggling drive and operations.
The Command however, re-iterated on its commitment to making our waterway axis a no safe haven for smugglers, thereby creating a secure and thriving environment that is free from all illicit goods.
The Command consequently, used the medium to warn all unpatriotic elements to desist from the illegal business or will be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.
