Customs intercepts containers of illicit drugs at TinCan port

Terminal in TinCan Island port, Lagos. PHOTO: SUNDAY AKILOLU

The Nigeria Customs Service, TinCan Island Command has intercepted three containers laden with Cannabis worth N682 million at the Lagos port. The Customs Area Controller, TinCan Command, Dera Nnadi, while displaying the contrabands before the media in Lagos, said the drugs were intercepted after a thorough intelligence on the suspected importation of illicit dangerous drugs from one of the source countries.

The drugs in the three containers total 684 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 341.025kg has a street value of N682 million. The command has, however, handed over the drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Nnadi explained that the joint 100 per cent physical examination was conducted on August 2, 2024 and the examination revealed 77 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 38.5kg concealed in a container no MSMU 518030/2 (1X40FT).

At the time of processing the intelligence, system profiling indicated that a declaration was made on an SGD Number withheld on July 30, 2024, listing three used vehicles.

Another container numbered MSMU 602957/0 (1X40FT) revealed 532 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 265.025kg. He said there was no declaration made on the consignment which was shipped into Nigeria by MSC Shipping.

The third container numbered FSCU 927461/3 (1X40FT) revealed 75 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 37.5kg. It was also shipped into Nigeria by MSC Shipping.

Nnadi said the command has commenced investigation in collaboration with the NDLEA. He assured that the Command and indeed the Service would deploy all necessary resources and strategies at its disposal and in collaboration with other security and other regulatory agencies to check the menace of illegal importation of illicit and dangerous substances.

“We are more than committed to deliver on this mandate,” he said, adding that the NCS would ensure and sustain the protection of the Nigerian society. He said the command would also hand over several other containers of similar nature in the coming weeks, after consultations with Customs headquarters.