The Tincan Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has successfully intercepted three containers containing 684 packages of Cannabis Indica, weighing a total of 341.025 kg and valued at approximately N682 million ($885,000).
Dera Nnadi, the Customs Area Controller overseeing the command, confirmed the seizure on Wednesday while handing over the illegal substances to officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He emphasized that this handover aligns with existing interagency cooperation and the Memorandum of Understanding between the NDLEA and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Nnadi explained that the interception of the three containers was the result of actionable intelligence regarding the potential importation of hazardous illegal substances from one of the source countries.
He detailed the seizures, noting that on August 2, 2024, a thorough 100% physical examination was conducted on a 40-foot container marked MSMU 518030/2, revealing 77 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 38.5 kg.
Additionally, another 100% physical examination took place on August 8, 2024, on a 40-foot container with the number MSMU 602957/0, which uncovered 532 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 265.025 kg.
Another container, marked FSCU 927461/3, was also examined on the same day, resulting in the discovery of 75 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 37.5 kg.
The head of Tincan Island Customs stated that an investigation is underway in collaboration with the NDLEA regarding the importation of these illegal substances.
Nnadi assured that the command, along with the Nigeria Customs Service, will utilize all necessary resources and strategies, working alongside other security and regulatory bodies, to address the challenge of unlawful imports of dangerous and illicit substances.
