By Our Correspondent
Lagos, March 11, ’25 (TNZ) The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, has handed over illicit drugs worth over N8 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
TheNewsZenith reports that the Customs Area Controller, Frank Onyeka, on Monday, handed over the items to the NDLEA, Tincan Island Strategic Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju.
Speaking at the event, Onyeka said NCS intercepted the drugs following high-level intelligence gathering, in collaboration with NDLEA officials.
The Controller said the Command’s operatives intercepted the 2X20FT containers, which were in different batches.
He said the consignees falsely declared that the containers contained used cars and auto spare parts, originating from Canada.
Onyeka gave the breakdown of the consignments as follows to include 1X20ft container No. TCNU 194586/1, intercepted on Feb. 27.
“Customs operatives discovered 128 packets of Cannabis indica, weighing 63.75 kilogrammes in the container.
“The estimated street value of the drugs stood at N414.3 million,” TheNewsZenith quotes the Controller as saying.
According to him, operatives intercepted the second container with no. MSMU 838666/3 on Dec. 12, 2024.
It contained 97 packets of Crystal Methamphetamine, weighing 78.3 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of N2 billion.
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“We also discovered another 1,735 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 867.5 kilogrammes and an estimated street value of N5.6 billion.
“This brought the total street value of the seized drugs to N8.05 billion,” TheNewsZenith quotes Onyeka as saying.
He explained further that the seizures underscored the Command’s dedication to safeguarding the Nation from the menace of illicit drugs.
The Controller reiterated the Command’s commitment to facilitating trade.
“We will remain vigilant against activities that threaten National Security and public health.”
He pointed out that the command will continue to enhance its operational strategies, including intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration, to effectively combat smuggling and other illicit activities.
Onyeka urged all stakeholders to support the efforts of the Command in maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s borders and ports.
While receiving the illicit drugs from customs, the NDLEA Commander at the Tincan Island Port, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, commended NCS for safe guiding our ports and border from smugglers.
Ofoyeju warned smugglers to desist from the unlawful act and embrace legitimate business to support the government in protecting lives and properties. (TNZ)
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