NCS intercepts 1,022 parcels of illicit substances

The Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, said it intercepted 15 sacks containing 1,021 loaves of illicit substances.

The command’s Public Relations Officer Magaji Mailafiya made this declaration in a statement on Tuesday.

Mailafiya stated that the substances, which have a duty-paid value of N107m, were intercepted along the Ajido waterways in the Yekeme Axis of the command.

“In furtherance of its anti-smuggling mandate, the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on the 16th of December, 2024, effected another seizure of 15 sacks containing 1,021 loaves of illicit substances. The consignment, which was intercepted along the Ajido waterways in the Yekeme axis of the command have a total weight of 538 kg with a value of N107m,” he said.

According to him, the consignment was intercepted at the waterfront while the suspected smugglers had grounded their boat in an attempt to offload the illicit items onto land.

He said that upon sighting officers of the command, the suspects abandoned the items and fled the scene.

“Despite the hostile environment, the patrol team successfully secured the sacks, transferred them into our official patrol boats, and transported the contraband to the Western Marine Command Headquarters for further investigation,” Mailafiya stated.

He said that the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team have been instrumental in supporting the fight against smuggling operations by providing critical resources and equipment to the command.

The command’s image maker mentioned that the support has empowered the unit to achieve remarkable successes in ensuring that smugglers have no safe haven on the nation’s waterways, thereby creating a secure and thriving environment for legitimate trade.

He said that the command under the leadership of Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye expresses its readiness to ensure that the waterways remain effectively secured from smuggling activities during this critical festive period.

The PRO said that the command was not unaware that some unpatriotic members of the public usually attempt to take advantage of the Yuletide season to execute their nefarious acts of smuggling.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to protecting the nation’s waterways and ensuring a safe environment for lawful trade and activities,” he assured.