Three containers loaded with illicit drugs valued at over N682 million have been intercepted at the TinCan Island Port in Lagos.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area Controller, Tincan Island Command, Dera Nnadi disclosed this at a stakeholder engagement at the command premises in Lagos on Wednesday.
The seizure was made possible, according to Nnadi, through actionable intelligence and interagency collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“You are all witnessing the successful interception and handover of the drugs to NDLEA.
“The seized containers, which arrived from a source country, were found to contain 684 packets of cannabis Indica, weighing 341.025 kg.
“A Container Number MSMU 518030/2 (1x40ft): a joint 100 per cent physical examination conducted on August 2, revealed 77 packets of cannabis Indica weighing 38.5 kg. The container was 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 contained 75 packets of cannabis indica weighing 37.5 kg. Similar to the second container, no declaration had been entered,” Nnadi said.
The customs area controller emphasised the importance of interagency collaboration in tackling the menace of illegal drug importation.
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. (NAN).