The Public Relations Officer of the Western Marine Command, Ibrahim Dauda, the 3rd left, Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, the Head of Enforcement of the command, Assistant Comptroller Charles Oputa and the Superintendent of Customs Moris Okauru during the media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday
Customs WMC intercepts, hands over 601kg cannabis worth N157m to NDLEA
Lagos,January 14, Wednesday, 2026, The Customs Area Controller, (CAC), Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, said its command intercepted 601kg of Cannabis Indica valued at N157.8 million in Lagos.
Ntadi made the disclosure during the handing over of the intercepted cannabis at the Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday.
He said the significant seizures were made by the team in the course of their ongoing efforts to safeguard our borders, protect our economy, and uphold the rule of law.
“The Western Marine Command has recorded yet another major operational feat in its sustained efforts toward safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain against illicit activities.
“In a recent anti-smuggling operation, dedicated officers of the command successfully intercepted and seized 20 sacks of cannabis indica with a total Duty Paid Value of N157,830,000.
“The 20 sacks contained a total of 1, 205 loaves of cannabis indica suspected to have unlawfully smuggled into the country through the waterways,” Ntadi said.
He reiterated the command’s effort in trade facilitation and enhancing ports logistics.
Ntadi mentioned that the command recorded 21,414 containers escorted through the waterways between April and December 2025 from the main ports to various bonded terminals.
The Western Marine Customs boss, described the containers escorted operations as efforts to enhance compliance, transparency and efficient movement of cargos to decongest the ports.
He noted that the the operational achievements reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Western Marine Command to its statutory responsibilities of revenue protection, border security, and trade facilitation.
Ntadi emphasised the command’s efforts to remain resolute in the fight against snuggling and other criminal activities that threaten national security and economic stability.
He attributed the command’s success to the exceptional motivation from the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, adding that the CGC had purchased seven additional new boats to enhance their operations.
The Western Marine boss promised to name one of the boats after an officer who won the 2025 NCS Best Parade officers to motivate others.
In terms of motivation, Ntadi commended CGC for enhancing their intelligence gathering and improving collaboration with other security agencies like the Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, Marine Police and the Immigration Service.
He expressed the command’s commitment to upholding the laws of the land, continued fight against smuggling, protecting the citizens, and ensuring that justice was served.
While handing over the intercepted cannabis indica to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Charles Oputa, said the interception took place around waterslide in Lagos.
Oputa said the interception was achieved by efforts of the officers during their routine patrol operations, adding that officers were working harder in ensuring Nigeria waters were free from illicit drugs and unwanted substances.
A picture of 20 sacks cannabis Indica weigh 601kg intercepted by Western Marine command in Lagos on Wednesday
Receiving the intercepted cannabis indica, the Assistant Commander of Narcotic, Gambo Ali, Marine Police Command, commended the efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service for the robust synergy between them.
Ali said there were no suspects in connection with the seizure adding that the agency would commence investigation on the seizure and would feed back the media appropriately.
