The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over Cannabis sativa estimated at N2 billion, seized on creeks and waterways within the Southwest region to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
   
Addressing newsmen yesterday, during the handover of the items to NDLEA in Lagos, the Area Controller of the Command, Abubakar Umar, said the Command intercepted 29,660 parcels of Cannabis sativa weighing 16,663kg from a wooden boat between June and October 2022.
 
He said other seizures made within the same period included: 1,575 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to more than two trailer load worth N39 million; 28,735 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) contained in 1,077 kegs of 25 litre size, worth N4.9 million; seven wooden boats with four engines as means of conveyance worth N13.8 million and two sacks of suspected gun powder.
 
According to the Controller, the seizures were made possible due to information and cooperation from members and leadership of the host communities, commitment, dedication and bravery of the command’s officers and men operating in the creeks and waterways among others.
   
Umar said importation of foreign parboiled rice HS Code 1006.30.1000 is restricted by policy of the Federal Government since March 2016.
 
He said any improper importation of foreign rice is contrary to Section 46 of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN 2004 as amended.
 
Umar also noted that improper importation or exportation of PMS HS Code 2710.12.4000 and 2710.12.5000 across land borders and waterways in Nigeria is contrary to Section 46 and 63, which declares forfeiture of good improperly imported/exported of CEMA Cap C45 LFN 2004 as amended.
 
He, however, appealed to the general and trading public to abandon economic sabotage and unlawful trade to embrace legitimate trade.
 
Receiving the seized drugs on behalf of the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Mohammed Buba Marwa, the Commander of Narcotics, Marine Unit, Uzah Isaac, commended the NCS for the seizures and their supportive role in the fight against circulation of illicit drugs being smuggled into the country.
 
He said Nigeria is now a big target for merchants of illicit drugs, noting that all hands must be on deck to combat the menace threatening the nation’s security.