The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 140 pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused food products worth N373.8 million at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.
The
Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this at a news
conference while highlighting major enforcement operations carried out by the
TinCan Island Port Command.
Adeniyi
said customs operatives intercepted a container on July 8 carrying concealed
knock-down components of pump-action rifles.
He
said 140 rifles had so far been assembled from the recovered parts, while the
assembly of the remaining components was still ongoing.
According
to him, one principal suspect was arrested on July 31 at a bonded terminal
while attempting to facilitate the container’s release.
He
said financial and telecommunications evidence linked the suspect to the
shipment.
The
CGC said two suspects were in custody assisting investigations, while another
principal suspect remained at large and was being tracked by security
operatives.
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Adeniyi
also said customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers laden with
cannabis-infused products concealed among imported goods, including vehicles,
generators, batteries and fabrics.
He
explained that the seized drugs comprised 8,720 pieces of Delta-8 cannabis
pre-roll cookies weighing 17.44 kilogrammes and valued at N308.7 million.
He
added that officers recovered 740 packs of cannabis-infused gummies weighing
515.2kg and valued at N40.7 million, as well as 873 cartons of cannabis-infused
cookies in 442 packs weighing 309.4kg and valued at N24.3 million.
According
to him, the total street value of the seized drugs is N373.8 million.
Adeniyi
warned that the products were attractively packaged with flavours such as
citrus, vanilla, pine and peach pie to resemble ordinary snacks and appeal to
children, students and other young people.
He
said unsuspecting consumers could ingest the products due to their deceptive
packaging.
The
customs boss commended the Area Controller of TinCan Island Port Command,
Comptroller Joseph Anani, and officers of the enforcement unit for their
vigilance and professionalism.
He
reaffirmed the service’s commitment to securing the nation’s borders and
prosecuting those involved in the trafficking of illicit arms and dangerous
drugs.
Adeniyi
also commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for its collaboration
and urged Nigerians to provide credible intelligence to support anti-smuggling
operations.
Receiving
the seized items, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA TinCan Strategic Command,
Mr Augustine Adewunmi, described cannabis-infused cookies, gummies and
smoothies as an emerging threat to public safety.
Adewunmi
said the products, imported from the United States, were packaged as vegan
snacks with flavours such as citrus, vanilla and peach to deceive unsuspecting
consumers.
He
warned that the products were designed to appeal to children, students and club
users, increasing the risk of accidental drug consumption.
The
NDLEA commander said two suspects were in custody while investigations
continued.
He
urged parents, schools and members of the public to remain vigilant, warning
that ingesting the products delivered concentrated cannabis directly into the
body.
NAN
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