Officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, have recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations with the interception of illicit drugs valued at over N2.5 billion.
Announcing the seizure, during a press briefing, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, said the seizure marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and curb illicit trade.
According to him, the interception followed a routine examination on 6 November at a bonded terminal, during which officers flagged a 40-foot container MSDU 719833/0 or further checks.
“Although, the consignment had been declared as containing two used vehicles and household items, a joint examination by Customs Enforcement officers, the CIU, and personnel from the NDLEA, DSS, and Nigeria Police revealed otherwise”, the CAC revealed.
The team uncovered 500 grams of methamphetamine valued at N7.5 million, and 49 packages of “Molly” (ecstasy) weighing 105.5 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of N2.5 billion. The total value of the narcotics stands at N2,507,500,000″, he added.
Comptroller Onyeka described the interception as further proof of the persistent attempts by criminal networks to exploit Nigeria’s trade environment, noting that the Command remains resolute and vigilant.
“This seizure sends a strong and clear message to all criminal elements attempting to exploit our ports and border stations: the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to detect, intercept, and dismantle all forms of illicit trade that threaten national security, economic stability, and the wellbeing of our citizens”, he warned.
He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his sustained support in boosting intelligence and enforcement capacity, while commending partner security agencies for the professionalism that made the operation successful.
In line with inter-agency synergy, the CAC handed over the illicit items to officials of the NDLEA.
Receiving the items, the NDLEA Commander, Tincan Island Strategic Command, Daniel Onyishi, praised the seamless cooperation between security agencies, noting that the quick identification of the seized substances was made possible by the unified efforts of enforcement teams.
“Because of the synergy we are working with, all of us combined, will make sure that no illicit drug passes through this port”, he concluded.
