The Tin Can Island Port Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday said it intercepted three containers loaded with illicit dangerous drugs valued at over N682 million.
During a press briefing at the command, Customs Area Controller Dera Nnadi detailed the successful interception and handover of the drugs to the NDLEA.
The seized containers, which arrived from a source country, were found to contain a total of 684 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 341.025 kg.
According to Controller Nnadi, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you, our esteemed media professionals, to this handover ceremony. This occasion offers us the opportunity to unveil three seizures in Tin-Can Island Area Command. In the coming weeks, it is our hope and desire to hand over several other containers of similar nature after consultations with Customs headquarters.
“In the interim, the command, having received actionable intelligence on the suspected importation of illicit dangerous drugs from one of the source countries, intercepted the three containers which we are showcasing today.
“The drugs extracted from the containers are being handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) TCIP, in furtherance of existing interagency collaboration and the MOU signed between the NDLEA and NCS.
“The details of each subject container are as follows: A joint 100% physical examination was conducted on a container with number MSMU 518030/2 (1X40FT) on the 2nd of August 2024 and the examination revealed 77 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 38.5kg.
“At the time of processing the intelligence, system profiling indicated that a declaration was made on an SGD Number withheld on 30-07-2024, listing three used vehicles.
“Also, another 100 percent physical examination was conducted on a container with number MSMU 602957/0 (1X40FT) on 8 Aug 2024 and the examination revealed 532 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 265.025kg.
“Again, a joint 100% physical examination was conducted on a container with number FSCU 927461/3 (1X40FT) on 8th of August 2024 and the examination revealed 75 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 37.5kg.
At the time of processing the intelligence, no declaration had been entered.
“Investigation by the command and our partner agency the NDLEA is ongoing and the NDLEA will update you on the interdiction, arrest and prosecution.
“In furtherance of the synergy between the NDLEA and the NCS, the command is handing over the contents of the three containers totaling 684 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 341.025kg with a street value of N682,050,000.00.
“The command and indeed the Service will deploy all necessary resources and strategies at our disposal and in collaboration with other security and other regulatory agencies check the menace of illegal importation of illicit and dangerous substances. We are more than committed to deliver on this mandate,” Nnadi stated.
He said the NDLEA is conducting further investigations into the interdiction, with updates on arrests and prosecutions expected soon.