Illicit Drugs : Western Marine Customs Command Destroys N1.2billion Worth Of Cannabis

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The Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, Ibafon Lagos has  today destroyed cannabis sativa of over 10 tonnes seized by the officers and men of the command.


 The illicit drug which was valued  at  one billion, two million and fifty naira (N1,002,050,000 ) was seized on 21st of April 2020 at Agaja beach, an exit point from the high sea at about 1200hrs.


Speaking at the destruction site in Badagry , Lagos , the Controller of the Command,  Comptroller Olugboyega Peters hinted that the seizure is the highest catch of a single item of cannabis ever seized in the history of the service.  

The seizure which he said was made following a credible intelligence was not only in contravention of extant laws but its  importation is capable of causing adverse effects on its consumers including a breakdown of the central nervous system.


The Western Marine boss  disclose that , Cannabis Sativa, also called Indian Hemp, is not a prohibited drugs but a substance under control “Cannabis Sativa is classified in schedule 2, Section 2 under vegetable products of page 34 of ECOWAS Commo External Tariff (CET), HS Code 0602 9000 of 5 percent duty rate and 7.5 Value Added Tax (VAT) declared as illegal by the federal government of Nigeria.

 “The seizure was based on credible intelligence. The smugglers on sighting our officers abandoned their consignment and jumped into the water, a terrain they know so much.
“Because of the quality of the item,  our patrol officers had to hire boats from fishermen who were fishing nearby. They were 10 in number who arrived our base in Ibafon area of Lagos


“This unprecedented seizure of cannabis is of the highest quality as research says it is   categorized as  A’- A’ A’ A’ type. This could only be achieved  by combined efforts of determined  officers and men of the command in applying the strategic plan of the comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) and his management team” Peter quipped. 


He however  lauded the cooperation of various security agencies like the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against illegalities and all forms of smuggling.


Speaking at the event, the Area Controller of Seme Border Command,  Dalha Cheidi Wada said its a remarkable achievement by the officers and men of the command and as officers they should always be guided by the rules governing the services.


He added that the CGC agenda is coming to play. ” If you look at our revenue generation, you will see that Customs is surpassing its revenue target. In the area of smuggling activities, we are intensifying our effort in curbing smuggling. All this are testimony of what the CGC  is emphasising  on.


The public should cooperate with us by giving us information when such is available so that we can continue in curbing smuggling activities together. This are part of the CGC agenda and it is working. Take a look at rice smuggling for instance, despite the border closure, this economy saboteurs are still making efforts to  smuggled it” he said.

Chairman of Badagry West Local Government, Hon Benu Joseph commended the customs for preventing such huge amount of drugs from entering the country.


He advised youths to avoid peer pressure by cooperating with security agencies and volunteering information that will lead to crime detection and prevention.


Adding his voice, the Deputy Commissioner of police, Marine, DC Taiwo Adeleke said the seizure for destruction been the highest in the history of the Service shows that officers and men under Comptroller Peters are working assiduously in ensuring the service meets its mark.


“You can imagine what could have befallen  our society if this drugs had find its way into the country.


” We the Nigerian Police will always be ready to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service in other to assist each others in the discharge of our duties. We are working towards the same goal and mandate in fighting crime” he said.


After setting the drugs on fire, Representatives of NDLEA, NAFDAC, Police and others jointly signed the certificate of destruction of the seizure

Also speaking at the event, Dalha Cheidi Wada, Customs Area Controller of Seme Border sued for compliance with the law by all citizens.


He also reiterated the service commitment to sustain and increase it’s tempo of anti smuggling activities even in the face of partial closure of some border stations in the country.


Charman of Badagry West Local Government, Hon Benu Joseph commended the customs for preventing such huge amount of drugs from entering the country.


He advised youths to avoid peer pressure by cooperating with security agencies and volunteering information that will lead to crime detection and prevention.


After setting the drugs on fire, Representatives of NDLEA, NAFDAC, Police and others jointly signed the certificate of destruction of the seizure

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