Tin Can customs Impounds illicit drugs arms and ammunitions worth N4.2b

COMPTROLLER DERA NNADI, AREA CONTROLLER TIN CAN CUSTOMS COMMAND

BY AMROSE OKEHI

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Tin Can Island command has strategically and successfully intercepted illicit drugs, arms and ammunition at various locations worth over N4.2 billion.

Disclosing this at a press conference atTin Can Island, Apapa Lagos on Thursday, the Compteoller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR said efforts of his officers were as a result of their concerted efforts to prevent illegal entry of such illicit and dangerous items into the country through diverse routes and means of conveyance.

The CGC also noted that the interception operations have exposed trend of criminal networks which have engaged in collaborative attempts to robish and subvert the efforts of the customs in mitigating the entry of such illicit substances.

According to the CGC, “Our actions underscore the persistent challenges posed by sophisticated smuggling networks, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced cooperation and advanced strategies to fortify the nation’s borders and preserve the safety and security of its citizens”.

The customs top management team led by Adeniyi however noted that this particular achievement was as a result of the collaborative efforts of the NCS and other government agencies particularly the NDLEA.

“It is 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,” he said.

He added that the service is indeed happy to collaborate with other government agencies.

“NCS is pleased to provide an update on the outcomes of its collaboration, particularly with the NDLEA, resulting in the successful interception and seizure of various illicit substances”.

Giving the details of seized items, the CGC said it 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.

“40packets 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 SerialNo. 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”.

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

He pointed out that the summary of the seized substances is 56.39kg of Cocaine valued at N 2,368,380,000, 955kg of Colorado Indica valued at 1,911,400,000, all with street value of N4.279 Billion Naira. The summary of the weapons seized is 5 pistols and 445 rounds of live ammunition and several empty pistol magazines.

On whether there were suspects arrested alongside with the illicit items, the CGC said:

“The individuals linked to these seizures have not been disclosed as investigations into the criminal network are ongoing. The NCS is committed to leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators involved in these 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,” the CGC said.

While still commenting on the NCS NDLEA’s collaboration, Mr. Adewale added that

“NCS and NDLEA remain steadfast in our commitment to enhancing ongoing collaborations aimed at eradicating criminal elements from society. We will persist in extending intelligence, network, and capabilities both nationally and internationally. The collective objective is to thoroughly eliminate these criminal elements, ensuring the society is rid of their detrimental influence.

He ended up thanking the media and the ststkeholders as well as the government agencies for assisting them do their job.

“I will concluded, as I appreciate your presence once again at this critical press conference, where recent seizures of illicit drugs, arms, and ammunition were highlighted, revealing the persistent challenges posed by sophisticated smuggling networks. The collaborative efforts with the NDLEA have proven effective in pooling resources and intelligence to safeguard the nation’s borders. The NCS is committed to dismantling the foundations sustaining criminal enterprises, ensuring a more secure environment for citizens. Ongoing investigations underscore our dedication to holding those involved accountable. Moving forward, we remain dedicated to enhancing collaborations, both nationally and internationally, to eliminate criminal elements and foster a safer society. Thank you for your attention, and we anticipate continued collaboration in securing the safety and well-being of our nation.”