Nigeria Customs Service Hands Over 120 Sacks of Cannabis Sativa To NDLEA

Nigeria Customs Service Hands Over 120 Sacks of Cannabis Sativa To NDLEA
……….seizures Valued at N704.5 million

By Frank Odinukaeze

In a significant move aimed at curbing illicit drug trafficking, the Nigeria Customs Service Western Marine Command on Monday ,handed over 120 sacks of cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana, to the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The handover ceremony, today March 4th, 2024, marked a collaborative effort between the two agencies to tackle the scourge of drug smuggling in the country.

The event, which took place at the Western Marine Command headquarters in Ibafon Apapa, Lagos, was attended by senior officers from both the NDLEA and the Nigeria Customs Service, as well as members of the press. Addressing the gathering, the Customs Area Controller ,of the Command , Comptroller  O A Salefu emphasized the commitment of both organizations to combatting illegal drug trade while facilitating legitimate trade activities within Nigeria’s maritime borders.

The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, responsible for securing the Western Waterways against smuggling activities and promoting lawful commerce, played a pivotal role in intercepting the illegal shipment.
Under the leadership of CGC BA Adeniyi MFR, the Service has intensified efforts to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies, as evidenced by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA in April 2023.

While handing over the seized items to the NDLEA, Comptroller Salefu, noted that the intercepted consignment contained a total of” 10,551 loaves of cannabis sativa, with an estimated value of 704,518,000.00 Nigerian Naira.” He said this significant seizure underscores the dedication and vigilance of customs officers who work tirelessly to disrupt the operations of drug traffickers and protect the nation’s youth from the harmful effects of illicit drugs.

The successful operation Comptroller Salefu noted,was lauded as a testament to the “hard work, dedication, and bravery of the officers involved”, who demonstrated unwavering commitment to their duties with integrity and professionalism.
His words, “Today’s  event is a product of hard work, dedication,and bravery of my officers ,who have worked with diligence and integrity to puncture the reign of smugglers of these hard drugs”
The collaborative efforts between the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA highlight the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating transnational organized crime and safeguarding public health and security.

As Nigeria continues to confront the challenges posed by drug trafficking and substance abuse, such collaborative initiatives serve as a beacon of hope in the ongoing battle against illicit drugs.
The handover of the intercepted cannabis sativa shipment signifies a decisive step towards dismantling drug syndicates and fostering a safer, drug-free society for all citizens.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed pledge by both agencies to remain steadfast in their mission to disrupt illegal drug trade networks and uphold the rule of law. With continued cooperation and concerted efforts, the fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria remains a top priority, underscoring the nation’s commitment to building a secure and prosperous future for its people.
Receiving the seized drugs ,Paul Ohom,Commander, NDLEA narcotics ,marine operations,thanked Comptroller Salefu for the massive seizures ,which he noted was the first in 2024,and pledged continued collaboration  between the NDLEA and the command,even as he extended the appreciation of  Col.Buba Marwa (Rtd),the NDLEA boss to the Western Marine Customs Controller,O A Salefu.
Answering questions earlier, Comptroller Salefu warned drug smugglers and other unpatriotic traders that hard times await them at the command,as the command would do everything within the  ambits  of its operations to deal decicevely with them.
He noted that hard drugs have  ruined the lives of Nigerian youths, and this portend grave consequences for the nation