LAGOS/Nigeria: In a major victory against drug trafficking, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, has intercepted a significant cache of illicit substances, including 56.39kg of cocaine and 955kg of Colorado Indica (marijuana). The street value of the seized drugs is estimated to be N4.3 billion.
Addressing the media during a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, revealed the details of the operation. Adeniyi disclosed that the intercepted cocaine is valued at N2.4 billion, while the marijuana holds a market value of N1.9 billion.
The operation also led to the confiscation of five pistols, 445 rounds of live ammunition, and several empty pistol magazines. Adeniyi attributed the success of the interception to the collaborative efforts between the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Highlighting the emerging trend of criminal networks collaborating to undermine law enforcement agencies, Adeniyi emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships. He stated, “Recognizing the threats and the collaborative nature of criminal activities, the NCS has prioritized strategic partnerships with stakeholders over the past seven months.”
Adeniyi underscored the significance of disrupting the link between illicit drugs, criminal activities, and access to arms and ammunition as a critical strategy in reducing overall crime rates. He stated, “Suppressing drug-induced altered states and restricting criminal access to weaponry can significantly impact their operational capabilities.”
The seized items included 65 packets of Colorado Indica weighing 32.5kg from a container imported from Canada, and 17 packets weighing 16.690kg confirmed to be cocaine. Additionally, precursor chemicals for the manufacture of crystal methamphetamine, pistols, live ammunition, and unspecified substances were seized from containers imported from South Africa.
Adeniyi refrained from disclosing the identities of individuals linked to the seizures, stating that investigations into the criminal network are ongoing. He affirmed the NCS’s commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators face the full consequences of the law.
Retired Brigadier General Mohammed Marwa, Chairman of NDLEA, commended the collaboration between security agencies and expressed appreciation for the interception. Marwa emphasized that the synergy between Customs and NDLEA would help close loopholes exploited by criminal elements in smuggling illicit items into the country. He praised the diligence of the NCS in tracking the containers from the port of loading to their landing in Nigeria.
The joint efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency signal a resolute commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes and securing the nation’s territory. The collaboration aims to strengthen intelligence sharing and capabilities both nationally and internationally, with a collective objective to eliminate criminal elements and ensure a safer society.
