Business
NCS Aborts Illegal Drugs Smuggling … Cultprits Escape
The Western Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) dealt a massive blow to some illegal drugs smugglers, as the command intercepted 8,240 loaves of cannabis sativa and 23,000 capsules of 100mg of tramadol along Ibeju Lekki Waterways.
But the command operatives fail to arrest any of the smugglers, a situation the industry watchers do not seem very proud about.
For years the Marine Command of the NCS appeared to have been satisfied making seizures, but have failed to bring the underworld smugglers to book, while smuggling appear to grow in degree and sophistication daily.
The Customs Comptroller, Western Marine, Comptroller O.A Salefu, at the Western Marine Headquarters, Ibafon, Lagos, displayed 103 sacks containing 8,240 loaves of cannabis sativa (marijuana) and 23,000 capsules of 100mg of tramadol seized along Ibeju Deep seaport waterways, Lagos to National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.
An elated Salefu explained that the Command’s surveillance activities along the Ibeju coastal waterways had been rewarded recently when the patrol team intercepted one wooden boat with two Yamaha outboard engines, 40hp, each loaded with 103 sacks of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa..
He disclosed that the big time seizures which Duty Paid Value stands at N692,16,000, was as a result of networking.
However, despite its avowed war on smuggling, the Western Marine Command has an uphill task to explaining the mysterious disappearance of a certain smuggling kingpin in a huge seizures like this.
Our correspondent’s investigation revealed that importers of Nigeria bound goods through the Cotonou Port now see the waterfront as a most viable entry point, either for duty evasion, or concealment of prohibited items.
Most items this falls under the Federal Government import prohibition list or are statutorily barred from entering the country still find their ways under the nose of Western Marine operatives.
The Tide also learnt that the self-acclaimed seizures made sometimes by the command is a tip of the iceberg, as assorted clothing, rice and frozen foods are brought into Alaba market on a daily basis.
Over time, the Rice Millers Importers and Distributors of Nigeria have often expressed displeasure over the upsurge in the smuggling of rice into Nigerian market.
Many industry watchers say the matter follows a worrisome trend in which customs claim to have impounded smuggled goods or to have intercepted and seized vehicles, boats bearing smuggled goods, arresting the drivers, while the owners are said to have fled, and never found.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos