By Muhammad Opeyemi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted large consignments of drugs and other illicit substances from Canada and India.
Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, announced the interception while briefing newsmen, on Friday, in Lagos.
Adeniyi puts the street value of the drugs seized at N4 billion.
He said the Intelligent Unit of the NCS intercepted 172 kilogrammes of cannabis packaged in three drums, among the drugs substances at the Tincan Island command.
According to the CGC, a breakdown of the drugs includes three plastic drums of cannabis indica, 46 bags of cannabis indica, 877 codeine syrup and 82 cartons of other substances, all valued at N4 billion.
He said that the cannabis was intercepted in two 40ft Containers while the codeine was in another two containers of 40ft size.
Adeniyi described the seizures as a warning to those involved in the unlawful acts. He said the service would dismantle the network of people involved.
“I promise to apply the heaviest sanction against customs officers found culpable.
“Beyond revenue loss, some port operators and officers of the service are suspected to be involved in the illegal drug importation.
“Intelligence indicated that many terminals are involved and that there is abuse of procedures involving customs officers.
“Importer of the drugs gave two fake addresses, which raised customs curiosity leading to the discovery,” Adeniyi said.
He commended the Controller of Tin Can Port command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi and his team for the seizures. CGC described the seizures as a fallout of dedication and hard work.
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Adeniyi recalled that recently, NCS successfully intercepted illicit drugs, arms and ammunition. It also confiscated illegal wildlife and petroleum products at various locations.
He drew attention to the misuse and abuse of drugs, particularly cannabis indica and codeine that posed severe dangers to our youths.
Adeniyi said that perpetrators of illicit drugs often use proceeds from it to finance disruptions by non-state actors posing significant strikes to our national security and economy.
“The Nigerian Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is working hard to stabilise the economy.
“It also sets out to create an environment where all our citizens can thrive and prosper.
“As part of these efforts, Nigeria Customer Service plays a crucial role in revenue collection and protection of our society.
“Our mandates include ensuring that harmful and illegal substances do not find their way into our communities,” CGC said.
In this context, he said the ongoing collaboration among NCS, NDLEA and other sister agencies has consistently yielded positive results.
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