In a significant operation, the Tin Can Island Port Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted and seized three containers filled with illicit drugs, specifically Cannabis Indica, weighing a total of 341.025 kg.
The drugs, discovered through a joint effort with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), were handed over to the agency for further investigation and prosecution.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Customs Area Controller, Dera Nnadi, underscored the importance of collaboration between the NCS and the NDLEA, highlighting the ongoing battle against the importation of dangerous substances into Nigeria.
According to Comptroller Nnadi, the intercepted drugs were the result of actionable intelligence received by the Command, which led to the successful seizure of three 40-foot containers suspected of carrying illicit substances.
The first container, identified by its number MSMU 518030/2, was examined on August 2, 2024, and was found to contain 77 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 38.5 kg. The second container, MSMU 602957/0, was intercepted on August 8, 2024, and contained 532 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 265.025 kg. The third container, numbered FSCU 927461/3, was also seized on the same day, containing 75 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 37.5 kg. These three containers collectively amounted to 684 packets of the drug, with a street value estimated at ₦682,050,000.
Nnadi emphasized that these seizures were part of a broader effort to safeguard the country from the negative impacts of drug trafficking, adding that further investigations and the handover of similar consignments will continue in the coming weeks. He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to deploying all necessary resources and strategies, in collaboration with other regulatory agencies, to prevent the illegal importation of illicit substances.
Deputy Commander Narcotic, Adanu Edoh, representing the NDLEA at the event, commended the NCS for its vigilance and swift action in intercepting the dangerous drugs. He acknowledged the strong link between drug trafficking and the rising tide of criminal activities such as kidnapping and violent crimes, stating that drugs play a significant role in fueling these societal issues.
Edoh praised the consistent cooperation between the NCS and NDLEA, noting that Customs’ alertness has been key in preventing these illegal substances from reaching the public. He expressed confidence that, with continued collaboration, more illicit shipments would be intercepted in the near future.
Both agencies reassured the public that further investigations are ongoing, and they remain committed to protecting Nigeria from the harmful effects of drug-related crimes.
