The handling over which took place at the command in Lagos is in line with the Memorandum of Understand (MOU) reached by the NCS and NDLEA.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Customs Area Controller of the Command , Comptroller Odaudu Salefu reiterated that the seized drugs handed over to the NDLEA were confiscated in three different locations, namely Jegemo Island opposite Iworo, Ajido waterfront and Asipa Beach along Seme border on the 29th of November 2023, 2nd December 2023 and 19th January 2024.
Comptroller Odaudu Salefu who commended officers and men of the command for bravery, dedication, integrity and diligence in puncturing activities of smugglers states that the officers remain steadfast in commitment to safeguard the nation’s economic interest by working closely with other relevant agencies of government.
He further urged Nigerians to desist from illicit cross border trade practices adding that the service will continue to render smuggling activities useless.
According to him, the seizure is a product of the commands wide network of intelligence, he added that the suspects of the illicit trade are still at large.
He commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi for upholding the spirit of the MoU between Customs and NDLEA pointing out that both agencies of the government has signed an agreement to work and ensure synergy in tackling hard drug smuggling into the nation’s entry and exit points .
“Today’s event is a product of the hard work, dedication and bravery of my officers who have worked with diligence and integrity to puncture the reign of smugglers of these hard drugs. This seizure is also a product of our command’s wide network of intelligence with suspects of these trade still at large but the command will now work with NDLEA to effect the arrest of these wicked traders,” the Area Controller said.
While receiving the seizures, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA, Paul Ahon, commended the Western Marine Customs for its synergy with the drug enforcement agency.
The NDLEA boss hinted that the agency would continue to build on its partnership with Customs in a bid to curb the smuggling of drugs into the country.
He pointed out the important of the collaborative efforts of the two agencies in trying to rid the nation of illegal substances and their harmful effects and promised to continue to cement the relationship for the betterment of the nation.
