NIGERIA CUSTOMS TINCAN COMMAND INTERCEPTS CONTAINER LADEN WITH FIREARMS, CANNABIS- INFUSED PRODUCTS
By Mcanthony Onuoha
The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Port Command, has intercepted two 40ft Containers laden with Pump Action Rifles and Cannabis-infused products concealed among imported goods.
Briefing Journalists at Tincan Port, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD, said that one of the containers with marks and number – TEMU 184536/9, arrived at Tincan Island Port aboard MV VELIKA, and was flagged through Customs intelligence- driven risk management system for enhanced monitoring.
According to the CG, “acting on credible intelligence, officers placed the containers under surveillance, and subsequently subjected it to a detailed physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station.”
Continuing , the CG said that, the examination uncovered concealed crates containing knocked down components preliminary identified as Jojeff Pump Action Rifles which he said, are currently undergoing detailed technical examination and inventory to determine the quantity and configuration recovered.
Furthermore, the CG said investigations were extended beyond the seizure, and on 31st July, 2036, one suspect was arrested at Migfo Bonded Terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the other container. He said that documentary evidence, financial records and telecommunication analysis established his connection with the named consignee, including a N10,000 Naira payment received from a company account linked to the consignee on the day of his arrest. He disclosed that two suspects were already in custody assisting investigators while another principal suspect remained at large and were being actively trailed.
According to the CG, “in a sperate enforcement operation, officers intercepted two 40ft Containers conveying illicit cannabis – infused products concealed alongside two used vehicles, two pumping generators, rolls of blue Polipropylene Spunbond fabric, new tubular batteries, and thunder arrester cables.
According to the CGC, the seizures include:
109 cartons of Delta- 8 cannabis -infused pre-roll cookies(8,720 pecies; 17.44kg) valued at N308,792,640.
125 cartons of Delta-8 Cannabis- infused gummies(740 packs; 515.2kg) valued at N40,700.000.
73 cartons of cannabis- infused cookies(443 packs; 309.4kg) valued at N24,310,000.
All the illicit substances seized were said to have a combined street value of N373, 802, 640.
Speaking further, the CG said, ”
these interceptions demonstrate the growing sophistication of transnational criminal networks that exploit legitimate trade channels to traphic illicit weapons and dangerous narcotic products. They also reaffirm the effectiveness of the Nigeria Customs Service’s intelligence- driven enforcement strategy, advanced risk profiling system, and strong inter-agency collaboration.
The CG stated unequivocally, that the Nigeria Customs Service would stop at nothing to identify, track, arrest and prosecute every individual connected to the criminal enterprise, adding that Nigeria’s ports would never be safe haven for trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics or other prohibited goods.
The Customs’ Helmsman
commended the TinCan Command Area Controller, Comptroller Joseph Anani, officers and men of the TinCan Island Port Command, and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance, professionalism, and dedication, which made the significant seizures possible. He also appreciated the continued support of sister security and law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the nation. Finally, he assured Nigerians that the Service would remain resolute in securing the borders, facilitating legitimate trade and preventing the importation of prohibited and dangerous goods. He encouraged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support efforts against smuggling and transnational organized crimes.
And promised to keep the public informed as investigations progress and prosecutions commence.
