Customs Cracks Down on Waterway Smuggling, Seizes 1,958kg of Cannabis
Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command (WMC) have intercepted a major seizure of 1,958 kilograms of cannabis sativa worth N398,265,000. This seizure is the highest single operational seizure of cannabis sativa under the leadership of the Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye.
During a press briefing on Friday, 21 February 2025, the CAC announced that 3,793 loaves of cannabis sativa were intercepted along the waterways near Bar Beach Outstation.
“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. They tried to outrun our officers, but when they couldn’t, they decided to abandon their boat by jumping into the sea”, the CAC stated.
The boat was quickly secured and brought to the office, where it was found to contain 3,793 loaves of cannabis divided into 53 sacks”, he added.
The Customs Area Controller reaffirmed the command’s determination to safeguard the national waterways from the infiltration of harmful substances. “This seizure is consistent with the command’s resolve to sustain its anti-smuggling drive and operations. The command reiterates its commitment to making our waterway axis a no safe haven for smugglers, thereby creating a secure and thriving environment free from all illicit goods.”
He assured that the seized items will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in line with established procedures for further investigation and prosecution.
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