Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Port Command, TCIPC, has uncovered a massive consignment of illicit drugs concealed in imported vehicles.
Speaking during a press briefing, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, said this reflects the Service’s renewed commitment to border security and the protection of Nigeria’s national economy.
According to Comptroller Onyeka, two 40-foot containers originating from Montreal, Canada, were intercepted following credible intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts by officers of the Command in collaboration with other security agencies.
The illicit items include; 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a strain of Cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil, 2081 packages of Cannabis Indica, weighing 1,093kg, and 8 packages of Crystal meth weighing 8kg, concealed in 8 vehicles, with a total Duty Paid Value, DPV, of ₦5.304 billion.
“The Command wishes to sound a clear warning to all individuals or groups involved in smuggling of illicit drugs. Such nefarious activities not only sabotage the national economy but also pose severe risks to national security, public health, and biodiversity”, Comptroller Onyeka stated.
He stressed that the command remains resolute, and uncompromising in enforcing national and international trade laws: “Tincan Island Port Command will continue to leverage intelligence, technology, and inter-agency synergy to ensure that Nigeria’s borders remain secure and that offenders are brought to justice.”
Comptroller Onyeka appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and support, as well as sister agencies including the NDLEA, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigerian Navy, for their continued collaboration in safeguarding the nation.
He also lauded the professionalism and dedication of officers and men of the Tincan Island Command, urging them to remain alert and uphold the integrity of the Service.
The seized drugs were handed over to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.
Receiving the illicit drugs, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tincan Strategic Command, Commander Daniel Onyishi, lauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and commitment to national security.
The Commander emphasised that the NDLEA remains resolute in carrying out its mandate to ensure that all seized substances are thoroughly investigated and disposed of in accordance with established legal procedures.
