The Western Marine Command, Nigeria Customs Service, has handed over 4,973 loaves of cannabis sativa weighing 2,433kg and 195 bottles of 300ml codeine to the appropriate authorities in Lagos.

The authorities are the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control.

The command’s Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, did the handover in Lagos on Wednesday.

Mr Bamisaiye said that the seizures took place along the waterways near Bar Beach Outstation in Lagos through the relentless efforts and commitment of dedicated customs officers.

He said the seizures would aid the fight against drug abuse and illicit trade.

He said, “In a recent operation by one of the command patrol teams on Monday within the Badagry axis, officers arrested two suspects with 29 loaves of Cannabis Sativa concealed in a sack of rebagged rice. Today, we formally hand over 4,973 loaves of Cannabis Sativa, two suspects and 195 bottles of 300ml codeine to NDLEA and NAFDAC for further investigation and prosecution. These seizures were made across the South-Western waterways, reaffirming our commitment at the Western Marine Command to securing our waterways and stopping illicit trade.’’

He attributed the success to the strong inter-agency collaboration adding that no single agency can win the fight alone.

Mr Bamisaiye said that the government agencies were making a real impact collectively.

He commended the comptroller-general of customs and the management team for providing the right equipment, welfare, and good working conditions that empowered its officers to carry out their duties effectively.

Mr Bamisaiye expressed optimism that the handing over would aid the fight against drug abuse and illicit trade.

He urged smugglers to desist from the unlawful trade, adding that customs officers were vigilant, resolute, and not relented.

The Commander, Western Command of NDLEA, Morrison Udo, while receiving the intercepted 4,973 loaves of cannabis sativa and the two suspects, commended the continuous synergy between the agency and the NCS.

Mr Udo said that NDLEA would take the suspect to court for trial, adding that they would carry customs along on the matter.

Also, the Assistant Director Public Relations of NAFDAC, Adegboyega Osiyemi, received 195 bottles of 300ml codeine.

Mr Osinyemi appreciated the NCS for not allowing the smugglers to succeed in taking the drugs to society.

He urged the smugglers to embrace legitimate business and support the government to build a healthy society.

(NAN)