ZAINAB JUNAID
Customs Area Controller of the Western Marine Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Ibafon Apapa Lagos, Comptroller Odaudu Salefu has on Monday handed over 120 bags of Seized cannabis sativa worth Seven Hundred and Four Million, Five Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Naira only, N704,518,000 to operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The hand over is in line with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA on the 4th of April 2023, where the Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, directed the Western Marine Command to collaborate with NDLEA in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
While briefing journalists, Senior Officers of the Command and Representatives of NDLEA on Monday March 4, 2024, at the Command’s Headquarters Lagos, Comptroller Salefu disclosed that the seized drugs handed over to the NDLEA were confiscated in three different locations- Jegemo Island opposite Iworo, Ajido waterfront and Asipa Beach along Seme border on the 29th of November 2023, 2nd December 2023 and 19th January 2024 respectively.
He revealed that the seized cannabis sativa is estimated at N704,518,000, thus commended Officers and Men of the Service for their handwork, bravery and dedication.
To him, “Officers and men of the command remain steadfast in commitment to safeguard the nation’s economic interest by working closely with other relevant agencies of government. These seizures are product of the commands ‘s wide network of intelligence as suspects of the illicit trade are still at large.”
The Command Boss further urged Nigerians to desist from illicit cross border trade practices as it is detrimental to economic and health welfare of the Country.
While receiving the cannabis seizure, the Commander of Narcotics for NDLEA, Paul Ahon commended the Western Marine Command under the leadership of Comptroller Salefu, for strengthening synergy with the Agency in the fight against Drug trafficking on waterways, adding NDLEA will not relent it’s effort in maintaining and sustaining the synergy to fight for the course.
