CGC Announces Seizures of illicit Drug Worth N4.2bn at TCIP,, Lauds Collaborative of NDLEA

Nigeria Customs Service has disclosed seizures illicit drugs,arms and ammunitions at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, with street value of N4.279 billion Naira.

This seizures was declared by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR at a press briefing.

According to the CGC, "We will recall that in recent months, the Nigeria Customs Service has reported a number of successfully executed multiple interceptions and seizures of illicit drugs, arms and ammunition at various locations, representing a concerted effort to prevent illegal entry into the country through diverse routes and means of conveyance. These interception operations have brought to light a concerning trend wherein criminal networks engage in collaborative attempts to subvert the competency of the agencies tasked with mitigating the entry of such illicit substances. Our actions underscore the persistent challenges posed by sophisticated smuggling networks, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced cooperation and advanced strategies to fortify the nation's borders and preserve the safety and security of its citizens.

Adeniyi said Nigeria Customs recognises the threats and the collaborative nature of criminal activities, and has steadfastly prioritized strategic partnerships with stakeholders over the past seven months, which aims at harnessing the specialized expertise of our partners in a manner that enhances our capability to fulfil our core mandates.

"Just as criminals find strength in collaboration, government agencies must equally appreciate the advantages of working collectively to fulfil their statutory responsibilities. It is within this context that the ongoing collaborative efforts between the NCS and the Nigeria Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have consistently yielded positive results.

"This collaborative synergy exemplifies the effectiveness of pooling resources and intelligence, reinforcing the commitment of both agencies to safeguarding the nation's borders and protecting its citizens from the threats posed by illegal substances.

"Therefore, disrupting the link between illicit drugs, criminal activities, and access to arms and ammunition stands as a critical strategy in reducing overall crime rates. Suppressing drug-induced altered states and restricting criminal access to weaponry can significantly impact their operational capabilities. The interception and seizure of illicit substances, along with stringent control measures over the circulation of arms, are integral components of an effective crime prevention strategy. This approach aligns with the broader goal of enhancing public safety and underscores the NCS's commitment to dismantling the foundations that sustain criminal enterprises, fostering a more secure environment for our citizens.

The Customs boss itemised the seized

as follows: 65 packets of Colarado Indica weighing 32.5kg seized from 1X40FT Container No. UACU 534833/6 imported from Canada, 17 packets weighing 16.690kg confirmed to be Cocaine, 151 packets Colarado Indica weighing 107 kg, One (1) piece Gen2 Air soft pistol with serial No. 471908, empty magazine, 49 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition, 197 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, precursor chemicals for the manufacture of crystal methamphetamine, 8bags weighing 25kg tartaric acid, 100kegs of unspecified substances seized from 1x40ft Container No. MSCU 458177/0 imported from Durban South Africa.

Others includes- 40packets weighing39.7kg confirmed to be Cocaine, 1026 packets weighing 688.2kg confirmed to be Colarado Indica, Two (2) pistols without serial numbers, one pistol with SerialNo. AZYSRA6YSO12101181, three (3) empty magazines, 275rounds of 5.5mm M16 Tavor live ammunition, Six rounds of 9mm blank ammunition seized from in 1x40ft container No. THRU 796807/1imported from Durban South Africa,226 packets weighing 128kg confirmed to be Cannabis Indica seized from 1x40ft Container No.MEDU 785276/3 imported from Durban South Africa with street value of N4.279 Billion Naira.

He affirmed that the individuals linked to these seizures have not been disclosed as investigations into the criminal network are ongoing.

He therefore commanded the efforts of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in enhancing ongoing collaborations aimed at eradicating criminal elements from society

"NCS and NDLEA remain steadfast in our commitment to . We will persist in extending intelligence, network, and capabilities both nationally and internationally. The collective objective is to thoroughly eliminate these criminal elements, ensuring the society is rid of their detrimental influence.