The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced on Thursday the seizure of 56.39 kg of cocaine valued at N2,368,380,000 and 955 kg of Colorado Indica valued at N1,911,400,000.
These substances, with a street value of N4.279 billion, were seized alongside various amounts of arms and ammunition from Canada and South Africa.
Speaking at the Tin-Can Island Port, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed that the seized weapons included five pistols, 445 rounds of live ammunition, and several empty pistol magazines.
Comptroller Adeniyi highlighted the recent successful interceptions and seizures of illicit drugs, arms, and ammunition by the Nigeria Customs Service.
He emphasised the need for enhanced cooperation and advanced strategies to fortify the nation’s borders and preserve the safety and security of its citizens.
Adeniyi stated, “The interplay between illicit drugs and various criminal activities, including but not limited to kidnapping, banditry, and other nefarious pursuits, is undeniable.”
He stressed the critical need for collaborative efforts to combat both illicit drugs and criminal access to arms and ammunition.
The Customs Service has prioritized strategic partnerships with stakeholders over the past seven months, focusing on harnessing partners’ expertise to enhance its capabilities.
Adeniyi specifically highlighted the collaborative efforts between the NCS and the Nigeria Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which have consistently yielded positive results.
The seized items include 65 packets of Colorado Indica weighing 32.5 kg, 17 packets of confirmed cocaine weighing 16.690 kg, and 151 packets of Colorado Indica weighing 107 kg.
Other items seized from containers imported from Canada and South Africa include pistols, live ammunition, precursor chemicals, tartaric acid, and unspecified substances.
Adeniyi emphasized that the individuals linked to these seizures have not been disclosed, as investigations into the criminal network are ongoing. The NCS is committed to ensuring that perpetrators face the full consequences of the law.
In conclusion, Adeniyi expressed gratitude for collaborating with the NDLEA and reiterated the commitment to eliminating criminal elements from society.
The NDLEA Chairman, Brig General Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended the hard work and diligence of security agencies and highlighted the secured nature of sea ports, expressing appreciation for the collaboration between the NDLEA and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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