Tin Can Customs intercepts three containers laden with illicit drugs weighing 341.025kg worth N682m

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Tin-Can Island Port(TCIP), Command, Lagos has revealed that it intercepted illicit Cannabis Indica weighing 341.025kg with a street value of N682,050,000.00 concealed in three containers imported into the country.

The Illicit drugs in 684 packets were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) TCIP in furtherance of existing interagency collaboration and the MOU signed between the NDLEA and NCS.

Making the disclosure last Wednesday, the Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, stated that the prohibited items, were shipped into the country onboard vessels belonging to the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

Nnadi in his own words, expressed, “It gives me great pleasure, to welcome you, our esteemed media professionals to this Hand-over Ceremony. This occasion offers us the opportunity to unveil three seizures in Tin-Can Island Area Command. In the coming weeks, it is our hope and desire to hand over several other containers of a similar nature after consultations with Customs Headquarters.

“In the interim, the Command having received actionable intelligence on the suspected importation of illicit dangerous drugs from one of the source countries, intercepted the three containers which we are showcasing today.”

Giving a breakdown of the drugs in the containers, Nnadi said: “A joint 100% physical examination was conducted on container with number MSMU 518030/2 (1X40FT) on the 2nd of August 2024 and the examination revealed 77 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 38.5kg.

“At the time of processing the intelligence, system profiling indicated that a declaration was made on an SGD Number withheld on 30-07-2024, listing three used vehicles.

“Also, another 100 percent physical examination was conducted on the container with number MSMU 602957/0 (1X40FT) on 8 Aug 2024 and the examination revealed 532 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 265.025kg.”

He went on to say “at the time of processing the intelligence, no declaration had been entered. The shipping company to the consignment is MSC.

“Again, a joint 100 percent physical examination was conducted on the container with number FSCU 927461/3 (1X40FT) on the 8th of August 2024 and the examination revealed 75 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 37.5kg. At the time of processing the intelligence, no declaration had been entered. The shipping company with respect to the consignment is MSC.

“Investigation by the Command and our partner agency the NDLEA, he said ” is ongoing and the NDLEA will update you on the interdiction, arrest, and prosecution.

“The Command and indeed the Service will deploy all necessary resources and strategies at our disposal and in collaboration with other security and other regulatory agencies check the menace of illegal importation of illicit and dangerous substances. We are more than committed to delivering on this mandate.” Nnadi concluded.