Lagos, Nigeria — In a dramatic turn of events, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, intercepting nearly two tons of cannabis worth approximately ₦398 million in Lagos state. This marks one of the largest drug busts in recent history by the Customs Western Marine Command, highlighting their ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s borders.
The operation, which took place on Thursday, February 20, was the culmination of weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering. At around 11 p.m. on that fateful night, the team stationed at Ilase Sea Beach, located about 200 nautical miles from the Lagos Anchorage, intercepted a suspicious vessel.
A Daring Escape Attempt Foiled
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Lomba Benjamin, the smugglers, realizing their capture was imminent, abandoned their boat and attempted to flee into the sea. However, their plan was foiled as Customs officers swiftly secured the vessel before it could escape into the vast waters.
Paul Bamisaiye, the Customs Area Controller overseeing the operation, explained the scale of the operation: “Upon securing the vessel, we found 53 large sacks, each containing bundles of cannabis sativa, packed tightly with 3,793 loaves. Altogether, the seized drugs weighed a staggering 1,958 kilograms. The total value of this interception stands at N398 million based on duty-paid estimates.”
The scale of this operation stunned even seasoned Customs officers. For many, this was the most significant drug bust in the area in years.
Bamisaiye’s Leadership Shines in Major Seizure
“This is by far the biggest single seizure of cannabis under my administration,” Bamisaiye noted proudly. “Our officers have been relentless in their efforts to tackle drug smuggling, and this bust is a testament to their commitment and vigilance.”
The intercepted cannabis was being transported via sea, likely aimed at distribution networks within Lagos and possibly beyond, according to Customs officials. The illicit nature of the drugs made them a highly sought-after commodity, and the seizure sent shockwaves through the local drug-smuggling syndicates.
Just two months prior, Customs officers had made another significant seizure — intercepting 15 sacks containing 1,021 loaves of cannabis, weighing 538 kilograms and valued at approximately N107 million. However, this latest operation has proven to be much more substantial, both in terms of weight and value.
Inter-Agency Cooperation in Drug Enforcement
As part of standard procedure, the illicit drugs will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who will take further steps to investigate and destroy the contraband. “The seizure will undergo further investigation by the NDLEA, and the drugs will eventually be destroyed, as part of our commitment to ridding the country of such dangerous substances,” Bamisaiye stated.
In Nigeria, drug smuggling remains a critical issue, with many illegal substances being trafficked into the country via land, air, and sea routes. Cannabis, often cultivated in various regions across West Africa, has become one of the most trafficked drugs in the region due to its high demand and relatively low production costs.
The NCS, in collaboration with the NDLEA and other law enforcement agencies, has made significant progress in curbing these illegal activities. “We are working closely with our sister agencies, ensuring that we have a united front in the fight against drug trafficking,” emphasized Bamisaiye.
A Growing Challenge: Smuggling and the Sea
The sea routes have been a major focal point for drug traffickers due to Nigeria’s vast coastline. The Western Marine Command, which oversees maritime customs operations, is particularly crucial in tackling illicit trade via these routes. Smuggling by sea remains a favored tactic because of the relative difficulty in monitoring and intercepting such activities in the vast oceanic expanse.
The Customs Western Marine Command has, however, ramped up its operations in recent months, using sophisticated surveillance equipment, drones, and intelligence networks to track illicit shipments. These measures appear to be paying off, as evidenced by the high number of successful interceptions. The Command is determined to expand these efforts in the coming months to ensure that more smugglers face the consequences of their illegal activities.
The Growing Threat of Illicit Drugs
The massive haul also shines a spotlight on the growing drug trafficking issue in Nigeria, which has become a key concern for both local law enforcement and international bodies. Experts have long warned that drug smuggling contributes to a range of social issues, including increased crime rates and the funding of violent cartels.
In a recent report, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) noted that West Africa had become a major transshipment point for illicit drugs, with Nigeria being one of the most affected countries. Cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and other narcotics are frequently trafficked through the region, impacting not only Nigeria’s security but the stability of neighboring countries as well.
For Nigeria, the authorities have promised to intensify their operations to combat drug smuggling. “We are committed to ensuring that the narcotics trade does not flourish within our borders,” said Bamisaiye.
A Call for Continued Vigilance
The interception of nearly two tons of cannabis is seen as a victory in the ongoing battle against narcotics trafficking. Still, Customs officers and their partners in the NDLEA are cautious not to become complacent. The work is far from over, and the agencies continue to urge citizens and coastal communities to be alert and report any suspicious activities.
As for the smugglers, their failed attempt is a reminder that drug trafficking is a high-risk business with no guarantees of success. Despite their escape, the Customs team remains hopeful that their efforts will significantly impact the region’s drug trade, sending a strong message to smugglers that the authorities are always watching.
Bamisaiye concluded, “This is just one victory in a series of steps we are taking to secure our borders and eliminate the smuggling of illicit drugs. We will continue to uphold the law and protect our nation’s future.”
