The Western Marine Command (WMC) of the Nigeria Customs Services has demonstrated its commitment to combatting smuggling activities, successfully intercepting contraband valued at over 900 million Naira between August and October 2023.

Acting in accordance with its primary mandate as outlined in Section 4 of the NCS Act 2023, the WMC executed robust border enforcement and regulatory activities, resulting in the apprehension and confiscation of significant illegal goods.

During these operations, the WMC’s officers seized 17 sacks containing 1,199 loaves of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), weighing 663.5kg, in two separate incidents along the Moba waterways and Sanki Beach Axis on the 31st of August and 4th of October 2023, respectively.

Under the leadership of Comptroller Odaudu Salefu, the WMC also made substantial seizures, including 66,000 capsules of 225mg Tramadol and 1,257 sacks of foreign parboiled rice, with a combined duty paid value exceeding 50 million Naira.

In a related incident on the 27th of October 2023, the Command confiscated 3,750 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) during two separate arrests.

It is noteworthy that in August 2023, the WMC seized 103 sacks containing 8,240 loaves of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), promptly handing them over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on the 7th of September, 2023.

The cumulative value of the ten seizures conducted by the WMC from August to October 2023 amounts to an astounding 923,794,000 Naira.

Comptroller Salefu reiterates the importance of the general public respecting and adhering to government fiscal policies, prohibitions, and restrictions. These measures are in place to safeguard national security, foster economic growth, and contribute to the overall progress of Nigeria.