Nigeria: Navy Arrests 16 Over Smuggling of N113 Million Contraband

The Nigerian Navy says it has arrested 16 suspects over smuggling of N100 million worth of Indian hemp, N13 million worth of rice and petroleum products.

It said while the Indian hemp and bags of rice were being shipped into Nigeria, the drums of petroleum products, mainly premium motor spirit, were being ferried across neighbouring countries.

Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Rear Admiral Bashir Mohammed, said the seizures were made in December 2021.

“On December 17, 2021, NNS ABA intercepted and arrested a large fibre boat conveying items suspected to be hemp bagged inside 261 large sacks. Upon interception, the crew fled with a small speed boat and abandoned the large fibre boat with its contents behind.

“Consequently, the boat was towed down to the base for further investigation. It is worthy to note that the suspected cannabis seized is worth over N100 million in the local market.

“Similarly, on December 21, 2021, NNS OSUN intercepted and arrested a large Cotonou boat laden with 413 bags of rice smuggled into Nigeria from Benin Republic. Pertinently, five crew members were arrested onboard the large boat and investigation revealed that they were all foreigners.

https://allafrica.com/stories/202201070023.html