The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command announced the interception of 53 sacks of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,958kg and valued at N398 million, in Lagos.
Lomba Benjamin, the command’s Public Relations Officer, shared the details in a statement on Friday, February 21.
Customs Area Controller for the command, Paul Bamisaiye, revealed that the drugs were intercepted at Ilase Sea Beach, located approximately 200 nautical miles from Lagos Anchorage. The smugglers attempted to flee, but Customs officers overpowered them, forcing the suspects to abandon the boat and jump 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, weighing 1,958kg. The duty-paid value of the seized goods is N398 million,” Bamisaiye explained.
He emphasized that the interception, which occurred around 11 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, was the result of the vigilant efforts of the command’s officers.
Bamisaiye also noted that this was the largest single seizure of cannabis sativa during his tenure, surpassing an earlier confiscation of 15 sacks containing 1,021 loaves of cannabis sativa weighing 538kg, valued at N107 million, made two months ago.
As per standard procedure, the seized narcotics will be handed over to the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Bamisaiye further stated that the command will continue collaborating with other agencies to ensure the nation’s borders are secure.
