Two hundred and sixty-one bags of cannabis worth over N100 million in the local market was intercepted during the Yuletide, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT said.

The Commander NNS BEECROFT, Bashir Mohammed, while addressing journalists on Thursday, said 413 bags of foreign rice and over 150 drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were smuggled into the country during the Yuletide were also impounded.

“Throughout the Yuletide, the Navy intensified its intelligence gathering and patrols of the maritime environment as well as its internal security operations under the auspices of Operation Mesa.

“Pertinently, five crew were arrested on board the large boat smuggling the contraband rice, and investigation revealed that they are all foreigners.

“It is equally worthy of note that the smuggled rice is worth over N13 Million in the local market and this is to the detriment of Nigeria’s local content drive,” he said.

“It is to be noted that the arrested culprits and exhibits will be handed over to the relevant prosecuting agency for further investigation and management.

“Regardless of the festive season, the Navy did not relent in executing the mandate of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo which is geared towards curbing illegalities, thereby boosting national prosperity,” Mr Mohammed said.

“I reassure Nigerians of the CNS commitment towards sustaining her constitutional roles, which include curbing drug trafficking and illegal bunkering activities as well as oil theft within Nigeria’s Maritime domain,” he added.

(NAN)