The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command (WMC) has intercepted Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), foreign parboiled rice and other items with a Duty Paid Value (DPC) of N2.2 billion in five months.

Comptroller Abubakar Umar of the command said this at a press conference on Thursday in Lagos.

“Other items intercepted within the period are: 29,660 parcels of cannabis sativa with a total weight of 16,663kg and a DPV of N2,061,000,000.

“1,575 bags of 50 kilogram of foreign parboiled rice, which is equivalent to more than two trailer loads of rice, with a DPV of N39,375,000.

“Also 28,735 litres of PMS in 1,077 kegs, 25 litre size, with DPV of N4,921,700 were seized; and seven wooden boats with four Engines as means of conveyance worth Nl3,750,000 and two sacks of suspected gun powder,” he said.

Mr Umar noted that the importation of foreign parboiled rice had been restricted by the Federal Government, since March 2016 and contravened Section 46 of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN 2004, as amended.

He added that improper importation or exportation of PMS, across land borders and waterways in Nigeria, contravened Section 46 and 63 of CEMA, Cap C45 LFN 2004, as amended.

He listed the factors that aided the command’s performance as information and cooperation by members and the leadership of host communities, commitment, dedication and bravery of officers of the command.

Mr Umar appealed to the general public to shun economic sabotage and unlawful trade.

Also, Isaac Uzah, Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), noted that the greatest number of crimes were being perpetuated through the waterways, and that there was need to sensitise people against it.

He said the agency would destroy the seized cannabis sativa and ensure justice was done in the interest of the society. 

(NAN)