The Tin-Can Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the seizure of three containers on Wednesday containing 684 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 341.025 kg and valued at N682,050,000.
The illicit drugs were shipped into the country aboard vessels from the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
During a media briefing, Customs Area Controller Dera Nnadi handed over the seized drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), emphasizing the importance of interagency collaboration and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the NCS and NDLEA.
Controller Nnadi expressed, “We are pleased to welcome you to this handover ceremony, which allows us to present three significant seizures from the Tin-Can Island Area Command. In the coming weeks, we anticipate handing over additional containers of similar nature after discussions with Customs Headquarters.”
He explained that the Command had acted on actionable intelligence regarding the suspected importation of dangerous drugs from one of the source countries, leading to the interception of the three containers.
“The details of each container are as follows: A joint 100% physical examination of container MSMU 518030/2 (1X40FT) on August 2, 2024, revealed 77 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 38.5 kg. At the time of processing, a declaration was made on an SGD number withheld on July 30, 2024, listing three used vehicles,” Nnadi stated.
Additionally, a 100% physical examination of container MSMU 602957/0 (1X40FT) on August 8, 2024, uncovered 532 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 265.025 kg, with no declaration entered at that time. This consignment was also linked to MSC.
Another joint examination of container FSCU 927461/3 (1X40FT) on the same day revealed 75 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 37.5 kg, again with no declaration recorded, and associated with MSC.
Ongoing investigations by the Command and the NDLEA will address the interdiction, arrest, and prosecution related to these findings. Nnadi further assured that the NCS is dedicated to employing all necessary resources and strategies in collaboration with security and regulatory agencies to combat the illegal importation of harmful substances.
“In line with our commitment, the Command is officially handing over the contents of the three containers, totaling 684 packets of Cannabis Indica, with a street value of N682,050,000,” he concluded.