Tin-Can Port Operation: Customs Seize N4.1bn in Illicit Drugs
By The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of a significant quantity of hard drugs and unwholesome pharmaceutical products imported from India and Canada. The total value of the confiscated items is estimated at N4.1 billion.
Speaking in Lagos on Friday, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, expressed deep concern over the alarming importation of these illicit drugs. He emphasized that if these drugs were not intercepted, they could potentially exacerbate criminal activities and insecurity within the country.
Adeniyi also highlighted the possibility of collusion between officials of some terminals, bonded terminals, and members of the Customs Service, stating that investigations are ongoing and those found culpable will face legal consequences.
Detailing the seized items, the Customs Chief explained that officers and men of the Tin-can Island Command impounded two containers filled with unwholesome imports. These included a 40-foot container of unregistered pharmaceutical products and another 40-foot container of illicit psychotropic substances.
“Details of the seized containers are as follows: Three plastic drums concealing several packets of Cannabis Indica; 46 bags containing 2,144 packets of Cannabis Indica, all weighing 1,072 kilograms, seized from a 40-foot Container No. GAOU 669921/5 imported from Canada. The approximate street value of the illicit substances is N3.2 billion,” Adeniyi said.
Additionally, “877 cartons of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine, 200 bottles of 100ml per carton, and 82 cartons of Really Extra Diclofenac Sodium 50 milligram tablets, 600 packs per carton, imported from India were also seized. The approximate street value of the cough syrup is N964.3 million.”
Adeniyi stressed that this operation underscores a troubling trend in criminal tactics but also demonstrates the NCS’s commitment to intercepting and disrupting harmful activities. He assured that the NCS will continue to collaborate with both national and international agencies to conduct operations that target illegal goods and criminal networks.
“We urge all patriotic Nigerians to continue their legitimate business activities, assured that the NCS is actively working with stakeholders to ease the challenges faced by businesses and the general public,” Adeniyi concluded.