Vincent Ezenagu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has vowed to continue its efforts in breaking the cycle of illicit drug smuggling into the country.
The Tincan Island Command of the Service made the vow while handing over seized drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos.
Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Area Command, DA Nnadi, said the
occasion offers the Service the opportunity to unveil three (3) seizures in Tincan Island Area Command.
“In the coming weeks, it is our hope and desire to hand over several other containers of similar nature after consultations with Customs Headquarters.” he said.
In the interim, 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 today, Nnadi said, adding “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. “
The details of each subject container in CONTAINER NUMBER MSMU 518030/2 (1X40FT).
A joint 100% physical examination was conducted on 2 Aug 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 (3) used vehicles:
Also, seized is CONTAINER NUMBER MSMU 602957/0 (1X40FT)
A joint 100% physical examination was conducted on 8 Aug 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.
Also held is CONTAINER NUMBER FSCU 927461/3 (1X40FT).
A joint 100% physical examination was conducted on 8 Aug 2024 and the examination revealed 75 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 37.5kg. At the time of processing the intelligence, no declaration had been entered. The shipping company with respect to the consignment is MSC.
He said investigation by the Command and its partner agency the NDLEA is ongoing and the NDLEA will update the media on the interdiction, arrest and prosecution.
Nnadi, said I’m 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, 050,000.00.
The Controller said 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.
