THE WESTERN MARINE COMMAND’S UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO REFINING ITS OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES, PARTICULARLY IN ANTI-SMUGGLING OPERATIONS, CONTINUES TO YIELD RESULTS. THE RELENTLESS VIGILANCE AND HEIGHTENED EFFORTS OF THE COMMAND’S DEDICATED OFFICERS LED TO A MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025, AT APPROXIMATELY 2300 HOURS (11 PM) AT SEA. THIS OPERATION RESULTED IN THE LARGEST SINGLE SEIZURE OF CANNABIS SATIVA UNDER THE OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP OF THE CUSTOMS AREA CONTROLLER, COMPTROLLER PK BAMISAIYE.
Two months ago, the Command seized 15 sacks of cannabis sativa, weighing 538kg and containing 1,021 loaves, with an estimated value of ₦107,205,000. Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Bamisaiye explained that the officers, acting on credible intelligence, were patrolling near Ilase Sea Beach, about 200 nautical miles from the Lagos anchorage, when they spotted the smugglers.
He further explained that the smugglers attempted to evade capture by outrunning the officers but, upon realizing they couldn’t, they abandoned their boat and jumped into the sea. The officers swiftly secured the boat and brought it to the office, where it was found to contain 3,793 loaves of cannabis sativa, packed into 53 sacks and weighing 1,958kg. The duty-paid value of the seized drugs is ₦398,265,000, he added.
The Area Controller expressed his gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) and his management team for their crucial support in the fight against smuggling, particularly by providing essential resources and equipment to the Western Marine Command. In line with established procedures, the seized drugs will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Additionally, he reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to ensure the nation’s borders remain well protected.
This seizure aligns with the Command’s commitment to sustaining its anti-smuggling efforts and operations. The Command reaffirms its dedication to ensuring that the waterways remain unsafe for smugglers, thereby fostering a secure and thriving environment free from illicit goods.
As a result, the Command issues a stern warning to all unpatriotic individuals involved in smuggling to desist from these illegal activities or risk being apprehended and facing the full force of the law.