Western Marine Command Cracks Down on Smuggling: Hands Over 1,658 Loaves of Cannabis Sativa and 386 Bottles of Codeine Syrup

By Lod Onyeji 

In a bold move to combat smuggling and illicit trade, the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over 1,658 loaves of Cannabis Sativa, weighing 788 kilograms, and 386 bottles of 300ml codeine syrup to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), respectively.

The seized items were arrested during three separate operations conducted in November 2024 at Ijegun Waterside, Bar Beach, and Ekare Beach Front. The Command's actions are in direct enforcement of Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

In addition to the seized cannabis and codeine syrup, the Command also intercepted 295 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice and seven bags of 50kg refined granulated foreign sugar at "Point of No Return" in Badagry and Panko Ere waterfronts. Furthermore, 900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were confiscated and disposed of in line with extant laws.

The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all the seized items is a staggering ₦182,196,000. The Western Marine Command has reaffirmed its commitment to rid the waterways of smuggling and economic sabotage, ensuring the growth and development of Nigeria's economy.

As the Command continues to intensify its efforts to combat smuggling, it has become clear that the inordinate quest for wealth by any means is a significant contributor to the menace. The Command urges citizens to understand that smuggling is detrimental to the economy and has devastating effects on health and the economy.

With its unwavering dedication to protecting Nigeria's economic interests, the Western Marine Command remains poised to take decisive action against any individual or group attempting to undermine the government's trade restrictions or fiscal policies.