Customs Intercepts 3 Drug-laden Containers At Lagos Port

The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has announced the interception of Cannabis Indica also known as Canadian Loud weighing 341.025kg imported into the country.

Speaking to journalists at the command, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), of the command, Compt. Dera Nnadi, stated that the contrabands worth N682 million were intercepted in three containers.

According to him, the intercepted items were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in line with interagency collaboration and for further investigation.

The CAC further stated that the dugs were imported through shipping giant MSC with container number, MSMU 518030/2; MSMU 602957/0 and FSCU 927461/3.

“The Command, having received actionable intelligence on the suspected importation of illicit dangerous drugs from one of the source countries, intercepted the three containers which we are showcasing. The drugs extracted from the containers are being handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) TCIP, in furtherance of existing interagency collaboration and the MOU signed between the NDLEA and NCS.

“A joint 100 per cent physical examination was conducted on 2nd August 2024 and the examination revealed 77 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 38.5kg. At the time of processing the intelligence, system profiling indicated that a declaration was made on an SGD Number withheld on 30-07-2024, listing three used vehicles. A joint 100% physical examination was conducted on 8th August 2024 and the examination revealed 532 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 265.025kg.

“At the time of processing the intelligence, no declaration had been entered.

The shipping company with respect to the consignment is MSC.”

“Investigation by the Command and our partner agency the NDLEA is ongoing and the NDLEA will update you on the interdiction, arrest and prosecution. In furtherance of the synergy between the NDLEA and the NCS, the Command is handing over the contents of the three containers totaling 684 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 341.025kg with a street value of N682 million.”

Compt. Nnadi, however, vowed that the service will continue to check the menace of illegal importation of illicit and dangerous substances into the country.

“The Command and indeed the Service will deploy all necessary resources and strategies at our disposal and in collaboration with other security and other regulatory agencies check the menace of illegal importation of illicit and dangerous substances. We are more than committed to deliver on this mandate.

“I wish to thank you for partnering with the NCS to ensure and sustain the protection of Nigerian society.”