Customs seizes 3,116kg cannabis, other drugs worth N3.95bn

By Adebola Muili

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, has intercepted 3,116.9kg of cannabis and other narcotic and pharmaceutical products with a combined street value of N3.95 billion in a series of intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations.

The seized items, which included Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Skunk, crystal methamphetamine, Tramadol, Hypnox tablets and Codeine syrup, were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday at the FOU Zone ‘A’ headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking during the handover, Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Gambo Aliyu, said the seizures were recorded following sustained surveillance and intelligence-led operations along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within the unit’s area of responsibility.

Aliyu disclosed that Customs officers intercepted 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks of a synthetic strain of Cannabis Sativa weighing 3,116.9kg.

He added that the operation also yielded one wrap of crystal methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg, 49 wraps of Cannabis Skunk weighing 26.1kg, three and a half packs of ground Cannabis Skunk weighing 3.45kg, two packs of granulated cannabis weighing 1kg and 11 small packs weighing 0.35kg.

The unit also intercepted 24 packets of Backwoods Russian Cream Cigars, while pharmaceutical products recovered included 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of 225mg and 100mg Tramadol tablets, 1,200 Hypnox tablets and 97 bottles of Codeine syrup.

Three suspects arrested in connection with the seizures were also handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Aliyu described the illegal movement of controlled substances as a serious threat to public health and national security, particularly because of its impact on young Nigerians.

He warned that drug trafficking could worsen addiction, criminality and violence, stressing the need for sustained collaboration among security and law enforcement agencies.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, through strengthening the integrity of the supply chain, would continue to support the efforts of the NDLEA by disrupting the movement of narcotic drugs and illicit goods across Nigeria’s borders,” Aliyu said.

The Customs comptroller also disclosed the interception of four cylinders of high-grade mercury, each weighing 34.5kg.

According to him, the mercury was being used in small-scale illegal gold mining and posed significant environmental hazards.

He said the substance was controlled under the Minamata Convention and would be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for appropriate action.

Aliyu stressed that effective enforcement against smuggling and trans-border crime required stronger cooperation among relevant agencies through intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated enforcement.

He assured that FOU Zone ‘A’ would sustain surveillance, patrols and intelligence-led operations across its areas of responsibility while facilitating legitimate trade and preventing the movement of prohibited and harmful goods.

The comptroller said the handover further demonstrated the Customs Service’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders, safeguarding public health and the environment, and strengthening national security.