The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 18 sacks of 730kg cannabis sativa to the NDLEA for further action.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, disclosed this during a media briefing held in Lagos on Wednesday.
He said the intercepted cannabis sativa weighed 730kg and had a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦152 million.
Bamisaiye explained that the seizure occurred at 2:30 a.m. on 15 April at Mopol Beach, Lagos, following an intelligence-led operation.
Officers found smugglers attempting to offload the cannabis sacks from a wooden boat with a 40HP Yamaha outboard engine.
The smugglers fled on sighting the officers, leaving behind the boat and items, which were secured and taken to the Customs office.
Between January and December 2024, the command made 40 seizures with a total DPV of ₦1.16 billion.
Notable among these were 22,075 litres of petrol (PMS) with a DPV of ₦18.2 million.
Other seizures included 1,556 bags of 50kg parboiled rice valued at ₦172.7 million, and 138 cartons of frozen products worth ₦10.1 million.
Also seized were 8,006 loaves of cannabis sativa, valued at ₦955.3 million, which have been handed over to the NDLEA.
Further seizures in 2024 included 100 plastic bottles of codeine syrup, with a DPV of ₦1.2 million.
Bamisaiye noted that in the first quarter of 2025, the command recorded nine seizures and arrested four suspects.
He stated that all enforcement actions comply with provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
During Q1 2025, the command also intercepted 704 bags of 50kg parboiled rice, valued at ₦71.1 million.
“Additionally, 4,856 loaves of cannabis sativa were intercepted, having a DPV of ₦585.6 million.
“Another seizure included 392 plastic bottles of 300ml codeine syrup, valued at ₦6.8 million,” he said.
Bamisaiye confirmed the total DPV for Q1 2025 seizures exceeded ₦702 million—an 8.7 per cent increase over Q1 2024’s ₦645 million.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to improving anti-smuggling efforts and sustaining its operational successes.
Bamisaiye praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership and support.
He also thanked stakeholders and the media for their role in promoting anti-smuggling awareness and cooperation.
According to him, collective efforts are vital to building a safer and healthier society for all.
Speaking at the event, NDLEA Commander Marine, Mr Emmanuel Udoh, assured thorough investigation of the seized cannabis.
He also appreciated the NCS for its ongoing cooperation with the agency in drug control efforts. (NAN)
