Customs seizes weapons, drugs worth  N4.279b at Tin Can Port

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has made seizures of drugs and weapons worth more than N4.279 billion at the port.

Announcing the haul yesterday in Lagos, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the seized substances include 56.39kg of coccinellids valued at N2,368,380,000, and 955kg of colorado Indica valued at N1,911,400,000.

Also, intercepted are 5 pistols and 445 rounds of live ammunition as well as several empty pistol magazines.

The CGC did not  disclose those fingered in the malfeasance as investigations are said to be ongoing.

 While announcing the seizure, Adeniyi said the NCS is committed to leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators involved in the illicit activities face the full consequences of the law.

“Our relentless pursuit of justice underscores the determination to dismantle the networks enabling these criminal acts, reinforcing our dedication to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the security and well-being of the Nigerian people,” he said.

He said the NCS and Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA remain steadfast in its commitment to enhancing ongoing collaborations aimed at eradicating criminal elements from society, adding that the agencies would persist in extending intelligence, network, and capabilities both nationally and internationally.

The collective objective, he noted, was to thoroughly eliminate  criminal elements and ensuring the society is rid of their detrimental influence.

Said the Customs CG: “In recognition of the threats and the collaborative nature of criminal activities, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has steadfastly prioritized strategic partnerships with stakeholders over the past seven months.

“This deliberate focus aims to harness the specialized expertise of our partners in a manner that enhances our capability to fulfil our core mandates.

“Just as criminals find strength in collaboration, government agencies must equally appreciate the advantages of working collectively to fulfil their statutory responsibilities.

“It is within this context that the ongoing collaborative efforts between the NCS and the Nigeria Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have consistently yielded positive results.

 “This collaborative synergy exemplifies the effectiveness of pooling resources and intelligence, reinforcing the commitment of both agencies to safeguarding the nation’s borders and protecting its citizens from the threats posed by illegal substances.”

The CGC noted that  the interplay between illicit drugs and various criminal activities, including but not limited to kidnapping, banditry, and other nefarious pursuits, is undeniable as drugs, often serving as a catalyst, create a conducive environment for criminal elements by inducing a state of altered consciousness.

These substances, he lamented,  provide the impetus for individuals to engage in heinous acts that undermine the peace and security of the society.

Thus, disrupting the link between illicit drugs, criminal activities, and access to arms and ammunition, the Customs helmsman said, stands as a critical strategy in reducing overall crime rates.

Details of the NCS  and NDLEA seizures include 65 packets of Colarado Indica weighing 32.5kg seized from 1X40FT Container No. UACU 534833/6 imported from Canada; 17 packets weighing 16.690kg confirmed to be Cocaine, 151 packets Colarado Indica weighing 107 kg, One (1) piece Gen2 Air soft pistol with serial No. 471908, empty magazine, 49 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition, 197 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, precursor chemicals for the manufacture of crystal methamphetamine, 8bags weighing 25kg tartaric acid, 100kegs of unspecified substances seized from 1x40ft Container No. MSCU 458177/0 imported from Durban South Africa.

 Others are 40 packets weighing39.7kg confirmed to be Cocaine, 1026 packets weighing 688.2kg confirmed to be Colarado Indica, Two (2) pistols without serial numbers, one pistol with Serial No. AZYSRA6YSO12101181, three (3) empty magazines, 275rounds of 5.5mm M16 Tavor live ammunition, Six rounds of 9mm blank ammunition seized from in 1x40ft container No. THRU 796807/1imported from Durban South Africa.

Seized also are 226 packets weighing 128kg confirmed to be Cannabis Indica seized from 1x40ft Container No.MEDU 785276/3 imported from Durban, South Africa.