The Tin Can Island Port Command of the
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted three containers loaded with illicit drugs,valued at over N682 million.
The Customs Area Controller for Tin Can Island Command, Dera Nnadi, announced this information during a stakeholder engagement event held at the command premises in Lagos on Wednesday.
Nnadi stated that the seizure was achieved through actionable intelligence and collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“We are witnessing the successful interception and handover of the drugs to the NDLEA.
“The seized containers, which arrived from a source country, contained 684 packets of cannabis Indica, totaling 341.025 kg.
“One container, identified as MSMU 518030/2 (1x40ft), underwent a thorough joint examination on August 2, which uncovered 77 packets of cannabis Indica weighing 38.5 kg. The container was originally declared to contain three used vehicles.
“Container Number MSMU 602957/0 (1x40ft) examined on August 8 held 532 packets of cannabis indica weighing 265.025 kg. No declaration had been entered for this consignment.
” Another container numbered FSCU 927461/3 (1x40ft): also examined on August 8 container contained 75 packets of cannabis indica weighing 37.5 kg. Similar to the second container, no declaration have been entered,” Nnadi said.
The customs area controller highlighted how vital it is for various agencies to work together in order to effectively address the serious problem of illegal drug importation. This collaboration among different organizations is crucial because tackling such a complex issue requires the sharing of information, resources, and expertise.
He said that the service would deploy all necessary resources and strategies at its disposal, and in collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies to check the menace of illegal importation of illicit and dangerous substances.
Nnadi said that NDLEA was currently conducting further investigations into the interdiction, with updates on arrests and prosecutions.
He said that the operation underscored the commitment of the NCS and NDLEA to safeguarding Nigerian society from the dangers of illicit drugs.