The Western Marine command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 15 sacks of 538 kilograms of cannabis, valued at N107.2 million.

The command’s area controller, Paul Bamisaiye, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday. He said the seized bags contained 1,021 loaves of the illicit substances.

Mr Bamisaiye said that the consignment was intercepted by officers along the Ajido Waterways, Yekeme axis of the command. He said that the seizures were examined at the command headquarters and weighed 538kg with a duty-paid value (DPV) of N107.2 million.

Mr Bamisaiye noted that the consignment was intercepted at the waterfront while the suspected smugglers had grounded their boat to offload the illicit items onto land.

“Upon sighting our vigilant marine officers, the suspects abandoned the items and fled the scene.

“In spite of the hostile environment, the patrol team successfully secured the sacks, transferred them into our official patrol boats, and transported the contraband to the Western Marine Command Headquarters for further investigation,” said the command.

Mr Bamisaiye added, “The Western Marine Command, under my leadership, expresses readiness to ensure that the waterways remain effectively secured from smuggling activities during this critical festive period.”