The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, has strengthened its maritime border surveillance with the interception of 20 sacks of Cannabis Indica valued at ₦157.83 million.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the command headquarters on Wednesday, 14 January 2025. He explained that the illicit substance was neatly concealed in 1,205 wraps and was suspected to have been smuggled into the country through the waterways.
Comptroller Ntadi attributed the successful operation to the renewed commitment of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration with sister security agencies.
He revealed that the command is set to receive additional operational equipment to enhance its effectiveness.
“This January, we will take delivery of seven brand new patrol boats. With this support from the Comptroller General, our operations at sea will become more efficient and effective, enabling us to achieve greater results,” he said.
Beyond enforcement, the controller highlighted the command’s role in facilitating legitimate trade. He noted that the Container Seat team safely escorted 21,414 containers from the main ports to various bonded terminals to ensure compliance and seamless cargo movement.
“These achievements reaffirm our unwavering commitment to revenue protection, border security and trade facilitation,” Ntadi added.
The intercepted drugs have since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
Earlier, Comptroller Ntadi hosted Area Controllers from Zone A, including Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba of Apapa Command, Comptroller Joe Anani of PTML and Comptroller Frank Onyeka of Tin Can Island Port Command.
Addressing officers during a parade, the visiting controllers urged personnel to uphold discipline and professionalism.
“Discipline and professionalism are key to our survival and success in this service,” Comptroller Oshoba stressed.