Lagos port hit by massive arms and cannabis seizure worth N374m

The Nigeria Customs Service has announced a significant bust at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, intercepting a large cache of 140 pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused food products with an estimated street value of N373.8 million. Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, revealed these details during a press briefing on Thursday, highlighting the success of enforcement operations by the Tin Can Island Port Command.

Mr. Adeniyi explained that Customs operatives initially intercepted a container on July 8. Inside, they discovered concealed knock-down components of pump-action rifles. So far, 140 rifles have been successfully assembled from the recovered parts, with the assembly of the remaining components still in progress. Investigations led to the arrest of a principal suspect on July 31 at a bonded terminal, who was allegedly attempting to facilitate the container's release. Financial and telecommunications evidence reportedly linked this individual to the illicit shipment. Currently, two suspects are in custody assisting with the ongoing investigation, while authorities are actively tracking another principal suspect who remains at large.

In a separate operation, Customs officers also seized two 40-foot containers. These containers were found to be loaded with various cannabis-infused products cleverly hidden among legitimate imported goods such as vehicles, generators, batteries, and fabrics. The seized narcotics included 8,720 pieces of Delta-8 cannabis pre-roll cookies, weighing 17.44 kilogrammes and valued at N308.7 million. Additionally, officers recovered 740 packs of cannabis-infused gummies, weighing 515.2kg and estimated at N40.7 million, along with 873 cartons containing 442 packs of cannabis-infused cookies, weighing 309.4kg and valued at N24.3 million. The cumulative street value of these seized drug products stands at N373.8 million.

The Customs boss issued a stern warning regarding the deceptive packaging of these cannabis products. He noted that they are designed to look like ordinary snacks, featuring attractive packaging and flavours like citrus, vanilla, pine, and peach pie. This deliberate strategy, he cautioned, is aimed at appealing to children, students, and other young individuals, increasing the risk of unsuspecting consumers ingesting the products.

Mr. Adeniyi praised the vigilance and professionalism of Comptroller Joseph Anani, the Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, and his enforcement unit officers. He reiterated the Service's commitment to safeguarding the nation's borders and ensuring the prosecution of those involved in the trafficking of illegal arms and dangerous drugs. The Comptroller-General also acknowledged the valuable collaboration of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and urged Nigerians to provide credible intelligence to aid anti-smuggling efforts.

Receiving the seized items, Mr. Augustine Adewunmi, the Commander of Narcotics for the NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command, described cannabis-infused cookies, gummies, and smoothies as a burgeoning threat to public safety. He confirmed that these products, imported from the United States, are disguised as vegan snacks with flavours such as citrus, vanilla, and peach to mislead consumers. Mr. Adewunmi emphasized that these products are specifically marketed to attract children, students, and club-goers, thereby elevating the danger of accidental drug consumption. He also confirmed that two suspects are currently in custody as NDLEA's investigations continue. The NDLEA commander implored parents, schools, and the general public to remain highly vigilant, warning that ingesting these products delivers concentrated cannabis directly into the body.