The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the NDLEA, has intercepted a massive 4,173.5-kilogram shipment of Cannabis Indica, valued at ₦16.6 billion, at the Tincan Island Port, Lagos. This significant seizure, originating from Canada, was uncovered through intelligence reports aimed at disrupting drug trafficking syndicates. Authorities have launched investigations to identify and prosecute those involved in this illicit operation, reinforcing efforts to protect Nigerian youth from harmful drugs.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, Lagos, says its operatives intercepted 4,173.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica valued at about ₦16.6 billion.
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the command.
According to Onyeka, the seizure was made during a joint operation involving officials of the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after intelligence reports exposed plans by drug trafficking syndicates to smuggle narcotics through the Lagos port corridor.
He revealed that the 40-foot container originated from Canada and concealed 8,457 parcels of Cannabis Indica, allegedly intended for distribution across Nigeria.
“This is not just another seizure. This represents a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to jeopardise national security, endanger lives and profit from the destruction of our hardworking young men and women of our country,” Onyeka said.
“Thankfully, due to the vigilance and professionalism of our officers and partner agencies, that consignment will not get to the streets.”
The Customs boss assured Nigerians that the command would continue to strengthen surveillance operations, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with other security agencies to block further smuggling attempts through the nation’s seaports.
He added that investigations had commenced to identify and prosecute all individuals linked to the illicit shipment.
“The Command will not spare anyone found compromising national security for personal gain. No matter how long it takes, such individuals will be tracked down and dealt with according to the law,” he said.
The seized drugs were later handed over to the Director of Seaport Operations at the NDLEA, Ibinabo Abia, who reiterated the agency’s commitment to combating narcotics trafficking and protecting Nigerian youths from the dangers of illicit drugs.
Abia also commended the growing collaboration between the NDLEA and the Nigeria Customs Service in tackling drug smuggling activities at the country’s ports.
The latest interception comes barely two weeks after another major seizure of Cannabis Indica at the Tincan Port, highlighting what officials described as sustained intelligence-driven operations against drug trafficking networks operating through Nigeria’s maritime corridors.
The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the NDLEA, has intercepted a massive 4,173.5-kilogram shipment of Cannabis Indica, valued at ₦16.6 billion, at the Tincan Island Port, Lagos. This significant seizure, originating from Canada, was uncovered through intelligence reports aimed at disrupting drug trafficking syndicates. Authorities have launched investigations to identify and prosecute those involved in this illicit operation, reinforcing efforts to protect Nigerian youth from harmful drugs.
Source: saharareporters.com
