Customs seizes N4.2bn Cocaine, Arms from Canada and South Africa
Customs seizes N4.2bn Cocaine, Arms from Canada and South Africa
The Nigeria Customs Service, at Tincan Customs Command yesterday showcased a large Seizure of Narcotic substances confirmed to be hard drugs, with some arms and ammunition imported illegally into the country.
The Customs Comptroller – General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR attributed the result so far to the collaboration, particularly with the NDLEA, resulting in the successful interception and seizure of various illicit substances.
The seizures include;
65 packets of Colorado 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 Colorado 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.
40 packets weighing 
39.7kg confirmed to be Cocaine, 1026 packets weighing 688.2kg confirmed to be Colorado Indica, two (2) pistols without serial numbers, one pistol with Serial No. 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
Also, 226 packets weighing 128kg confirmed to be Cannabis Indica seized from 1x40ft Container No.MEDU 785276/3 imported from Durban South Africa.
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 N4.279 Billion Naira. The summary of the weapons seized is 5 pistols
According to Adewale, the he 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,”he said.
He went on. “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.”
Praising the synergy between the two agencies, Adeniyi said, “NCS and NDLEA remain steadfast in our commitment to enhancing ongoing collaborations aimed at eradicating criminal elements from society. We will persist in extending intelligence, network, and capabilities both nationally and internationally. The collective objective is to thoroughly eliminate these criminal elements, ensuring the society is rid of their detrimental influence.”
Comptroller Adeniyi also disclosed that part of the strategy to put the flow of illicit drugs, arms and ammunition in check, is deliberately disrupting the link between illicit drugs, criminal activities, and access to arms and ammunition, this, according to him, stands as a critical strategy in reducing overall crime rates. Suppressing drug-induced altered states and restricting criminal access to weaponry can significantly impact their operational capabilities. The interception and seizure of illicit substances, along with stringent control measures over the circulation of arms, are integral components of an effective crime prevention strategy.
“This approach aligns with the broader goal of enhancing public safety and underscores the NCS’s commitment to dismantling the foundations that sustain criminal enterprises, fostering a more secure environment for our citizens,” the CGC said.
