Nigeria Customs Service Reveals Major Seizures of Illicit Substances and Weapons Worth N4.27bn in Recent Operations at Tin Can Island Port

Joyce Mmereole Okoli

In a press conference held on January 24, 2024, The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, while addressing the media revealed that the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) has seized illicit substances including; cocaine and colorado indica, cannabis indica alongside weapons and ammunition worth N4.2billion at Tin Can Island Port (TCIP).

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, revealed these seizures today, while he handed over the drug substances to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The operations reflect a concerted effort to thwart illegal entries into the country, underscoring the persistent challenges posed by sophisticated smuggling networks.

“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. 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 N4.279billion.”

“However, the summary of the weapons seized is 5 pistols and 445 rounds of live ammunition and several empty pistol magazines.

Giving further details, the Customs CG said the seized items 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 weighing 39.7kg 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. 226 packets weighing 128kg confirmed to be Cannabis Indica seized from 1x40ft Container No.MEDU 785276/3 imported from Durban South Africa.”

Adeniyi highlighted the alarming trend of criminal networks collaborating to undermine agencies responsible for curbing the entry of illicit substances.

Recognizing the gravity of these threats, the NCS has strategically partnered with stakeholders over the past seven months to enhance its capabilities.

The Custom boss commended NDLEA for sharing intelligence and collaborating with them until the seizures were made; while also commending all Customs officers who contributed to the seizures.

“The collaboration with the Nigeria Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has particularly yielded positive results, showcasing the effectiveness of pooling resources and intelligence to protect the nation’s borders”, he said.

While receiving the illicit drugs, the Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended NDLEA and Customs officials for the seizures.

“This seizure is a testament that just like the airport, the nation’s seaports are also secured. We thank the leadership of Customs for availing NDLEA robust partnership not only at Tin Can Island Port but across all areas of our activities,” the NDLEA boss stated.

Adeniyi emphasized the undeniable link between illicit drugs and criminal activities, such as kidnapping and banditry. The possession of arms and ammunition further empowers criminal elements, necessitating a comprehensive approach to combat both aspects and ensure the safety of communities.

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,” he said.

Adeniyi said the NCS’s is dedicated to upholding the rule of law and ensuring a secure environment for Nigerian citizens while also noting that the collaboration with NDLEA is a commitment to eliminating criminal elements both nationally and internationally thereby paving the way for a safer society.