Tin Can Island Port Area Command Intercepts Illicit Drugs Worth Over ₦682 Million
Tin Can Island Port Area Command Intercepts Illicit Drugs Worth Over ₦682 Million
By Frank Odinukaeze
In a significant operation, the Tin Can Island Port Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted three containers loaded with illicit dangerous drugs, valued at over ₦682 million. The seizure was made possible through actionable intelligence and interagency collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
During a press briefing, today,at the command,Customs Area Controller Da Nnadi, mni, detailed the successful interception and handover of the drugs to the NDLEA. The seized containers, which arrived from a source country, were found to contain a total of 684 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 341.025 kg.
Comptroller Nnadi gave details of the seizures as follows:
Container Number MSMU 518030/2 (1x40ft): A joint 100% physical examination conducted on August 2, 2024, 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, 2024, this container held 532 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 265.025 kg. No declaration had been entered for this consignment.
Container Number FSCU 927461/3 (1x40ft):
Also examined on August 8, 2024, this container contained 75 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 37.5 kg. Similar to the second container, no declaration had been entered.
The Customs Area Controller emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration in tackling the menace of illegal drug importation.
“The Command and indeed the Service will deploy all necessary resources and strategies at our disposal and in collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies to check the menace of illegal importation of illicit and dangerous substances,” he stated.
The NDLEA is currently conducting further investigations into the interdiction, with updates on arrests and prosecutions expected soon. This operation underscores the commitment of the NCS and NDLEA to safeguarding Nigerian society from the dangers of illicit drugs.
The Tin Can Island Port Area Command continues to prioritize the protection of the nation through vigilant and coordinated efforts against illegal activities.