In keeping with its determination to sanitize the waterways in Lagos area, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command (WMC) on Tuesday opened up on massive seizures it recorded with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N352 million over the past two months.
Details gathered by Business Hilights showed that the seizures include bags of foreign rice and cannabis sativa.
Explaining more while handing over the seizures to acting Commander of the Marine Command of NDLEA, Mr Emmanuel Morrison, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, said that the contrabands were intercepted around the Badagry Waterways and environs.
According to him, 2,017 bags of parboiled rice worth N212 million and 481 loaves of cannabis sativa worth N50 million were seized between April 24. and June 24.
“Other seizures include seven sacks of 50kg sugar valued at N672,000, 72 rolls of foreign plain materials worth N71 million, nine boats worth N17.5 million, among others.
“The above-mentioned seizures have a duty-paid value of N352 million.
“The seizures represent a significant blow to criminal networks involved in illicit trade and smuggling activities,” he said.
Ntadi explained that the achievement reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting the borders while ensuring that lawful trade and commerce thrive within the economy.
The Comptroller attributed the success to the motivation given to the command from the Controller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, and enhanced intelligence gathering, as well as improved collaboration with other security agencies.
“We also owe our success to the deployment of more patrol vessels along the coastlines and inland waterways. We remain vigilant and proactive, continually updating our strategies to counter evolving smuggling tactics,” Ntadi stated.
The WMC Customs boss urged the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to smuggling or illegal trade in the waterways.
“Our collective efforts are essential in safeguarding our country’s economic integrity and social order.
“We are committed to upholding the laws of our land, protecting our citizens, and ensuring that justice is served.
“I would like to appreciate the collaboration and synergy with other sister agencies. We also appreciate the Nigerian Navy for the interception of smuggled rice through the waterways on behalf of customs,” Ntadi said.
He vowed that the command would not relent in its fight against smuggling and illegal activities.
Ntadi handed over the seized cannabis to an acting Commander of the Marine Command of NDLEA, Mr Emmanuel Morrison.
Morrison, after receiving the cannabis, appreciated customs for its continued collaboration.
He promised to investigate further on the 481 loaves of cannabis sativa been handed over to the agency in Lagos.
