Customs intercepts N4bn drugs at Lagos port

The operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted large consignments of illicit drugs including cannabis indica, prohibited codeine, and other illicit drugs from Canada and India at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

The NCS Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this in Lagos on Friday, June 14, 2024.

Adeniyi said the intercepted drugs were valued at N4 billion.

He said among the intercepted drugs by the Tin Can Island Port Command was 172kg of cannabis indica concealed in three drums and intercepted by the Intelligence Unit of the service.

According to the Comptroller-General, a breakdown of the drugs include three plastic drums of cannabis indica, 46 bags of cannabis indica, 877 codeine syrup, and 82 cartons of other drugs valued at N4 billion.

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He said the cannabis was intercepted in two 40ft containers while the intercepted codeine was also in two 40ft containers.

Adeniyi, who described the seizures as a warning to those involved in the unlawful acts, stated that Customs would ensure the dismantling of the network of people involved.

He said: “I promise to apply the heaviest sanction against customs officers found culpable.

“Beyond revenue loss, some port operators and officers of the service are suspected to be involved in the illegal drug importation.

“Intelligence indicated that a lot of terminals are involved in the customs’ findings and that there are abuses of procedures involving customs officers.

“The importer of the drugs gave two fake addresses which raised customs curiosity leading to the discovery.”

Adeniyi, therefore, commended the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, and his team for the seizures which he described as a fall-out of dedication and hard work.

The Star