The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, said its command intercepted 601kg of cannabis indica valued at N157.8 million in Lagos.

Mr Ntadi disclosed this during the handing over of the intercepted cannabis at the Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday.

He said the team made the significant seizures in the course of their ongoing efforts to safeguard our borders, protect our economy, and uphold the rule of law.

“The Western Marine Command has recorded yet another major operational feat in its sustained efforts toward safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain against illicit activities.

“In a recent anti-smuggling operation, dedicated officers of the command successfully intercepted and seized 20 sacks of cannabis indica with a total Duty Paid Value of N157,830,000.

“The 20 sacks contained a total of 1, 205 loaves of cannabis indica suspected to have unlawfully smuggled into the country through the waterways,” Mr Ntadi said.

He reiterated the command’s efforts in trade facilitation and in enhancing port logistics.

Mr Ntadi mentioned that the command recorded 21,414 containers escorted through the waterways between April and December 2025 from the main ports to various bonded terminals.

The Western Marine Customs boss described the container-escorted operations as efforts to enhance compliance, transparency, and the efficient movement of cargo to decongest the ports.

He noted that the operational achievements reaffirmed the Western Marine Command’s unwavering commitment to its statutory responsibilities of revenue protection, border security, and trade facilitation.

Mr Ntadi emphasised the command’s resolve to continue the fight against smuggling and other criminal activities that threaten national security and economic stability.

He attributed the command’s success to the exceptional motivation of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, adding that the CGC had purchased seven additional boats to enhance the command’s operations.

The Western Marine boss promised to name one of the boats after an officer who won the 2025 NCS Best Parade officer to motivate others.

In terms of motivation, Mr Ntadi commended CGC for enhancing its intelligence gathering and improving collaboration with other security agencies, such as the Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, Marine Police, and the Immigration Service.

He expressed the command’s commitment to upholding the laws of the land, continuing the fight against smuggling, protecting citizens, and ensuring that justice was served.

While handing over the intercepted cannabis indica to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Charles Oputa, said the interception took place around the waterslide in Lagos.

Mr Oputa said the interception was achieved through the efforts of officers during their routine patrol operations, adding that officers were working harder to ensure Nigerian waters were free of illicit drugs and unwanted substances.

Receiving the intercepted cannabis indica, the Assistant Commander of Narcotic, Gambo Ali, Marine Police Command, commended the efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service for the robust synergy between them.

Mr Ali said there were no suspects in connection with the seizure, adding that the agency would commence investigation on the seizure and would feed back the media appropriately.

(NAN)