0
Andrew Utulu
The Comptroller General of Customs CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has revealed how two containers laden with concealed Delta-8 Cannabis were intercepted and seized by the operatives of the Tincan Island Port Command of the Service.
The Comptroller General disclosed this in Lagos during the handing over of the illicit substance to the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to the CG, the illicit drugs worth over almost N400 million, highlighting that they were made up of cannabis infused pre-rolled products, gummies and cookies and concealed among other imported goods in two 40-foot containers.
He said that inventory and valuation on the drugs had been concluded, highlighting that the consignment would be handed over to NDLEA for further action.
He explained that the handover was in line with the NCS commitment to transparency , accountability and inter-agency collaboration in the fight against illicit movement of narcotics through Nigeria’s ports.
“The street value is almost as high as N400 million. This substance this morning will also be formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and other actions within its statutory mandates. And this handover tool reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that prohibited drugs intercepted in our ports do not find their way into Nigerian communities. Immediately after I finish this assignment, I will be going for another Town Hall meeting at Navy Town, Ojo, where I will be having a programme with the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. And this has to do with destruction of substances, drugs, which has been seized, some by NDLEA, some by Customs, some through combined operations.” The CGC asserted
Receiving the drugs, the NDLEA representative commended the NCS for the inter-agency partnership which he said was yielding tremendous and positive results.
“On behalf of the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, I would like to thank you for all your efforts and assistance and the inter-agency collaboration that is working.
You will recall earlier this year an MoU was signed between the NDLEA and Customs, and another MoU has again been signed. All these are result of detailed intelligence gathering, monitoring and management. Like I said earlier, we have a suspect We are investigating. This note will help us to do it thoroughly.”
Prior to the handing over of drugs to the NDLEA and Arms to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), the Customs Area Controller (CAC) Tincan Island Command, Comptroller Joe Anani in a welcome address, said the occasion was significant because it demonstrated “our collective commitment to strengthening national security and ensuring that arms and other controlled items are properly accounted for and managed in accordance with the law.”
He said the NCS remained committed to supporting the federal government’s efforts to combat the Illicit movement and production of small arms and light weapons, highlighting that the Service recognized that effective border management requires not only enforcement, but also strong collaboration among all relevant security and regulatory agencies.
Comptroller Anani said, “The handover taking place today, therefore, represents more than a transfer of items. It is a symbol of intelligence cooperation, accountability, and our shared responsibility to protect the peace and security of our dear nation, Nigeria. On behalf of the officers and men of this area command, I sincerely appreciate the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his leadership and for making this important engagement possible. We also appreciate the National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for its continued partnership.”
Anani said he was confident that this collaboration would continue to yield positive results in the fight against the proliferation of illicit arms and contribute meaningfully to national security.
