Smuggling: Western Marine Customs seize N900m contraband in 3 months

Paul Ogbuokiri

The Western Marine Command (WMC) of the Nigeria Customs Service has successfully thwarted smuggling activities, intercepting contraband valued at over N900 million from August to October 2023.

In accordance with its primary mandate outlined in Section 4 of the NCS Act 2023, the WMC executed rigorous border enforcement and regulatory activities, resulting in the arrest and seizure of significant illegal goods.

During the operations, officers and men of the WMC confiscated 17 sacks containing 1,199 loaves of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), totaling 663.5kg in September and October 2023. These arrests were conducted along the Moba waterways and Sanki Beach Axis on the August 31, 2023 and October 4, 2023 respectively.

Under the leadership of Comptroller Odaudu Salefu, the WMC also apprehended 66,000 capsules of 225mg Tramadol and 1,257 sacks of foreign parboiled rice, collectively exceeding a duty paid value of N50 million.

In a related incident, the Command seized 3,750 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) during two separate arrests on October 27, 2023.

It is noteworthy that in August 2023, the WMC seized 103 sacks containing 8,240 loaves of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), promptly handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on September 7, 2023.

The cumulative value of the ten seizures conducted by the WMC from August to October 2023 amounts to N923, 794,000 only.

Comptroller Salefu emphasizes once again the imperative for the general public to respect and adhere to government fiscal policies, prohibitions, and restrictions. These measures are in place to safeguard national security, foster economic growth, and contribute to the overall progress of Nigeria.