The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi on Friday paraded consignments of drums of packets and 46 large bags of Canabis Indica (Indian hemp) and 877 cartons of cough syrub made with Codeine, all with total street value of N4.18 billion seized at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos after they were abandoned by the importers for three months.
Briefing newsmen on the massive volume of the seizures, the Customs boss said the consignments arrived the port in March, but the consignees did not show up to clear the illicit goods until June when the Tin Can port Command Control, Dera Nnadi ordered his men to open the containers and seizures of the illicit drugs were effected.
While the canabis was imported from Canada, the codeine drugs were originated from India. The consignees’ addresses filed in by the two importers were fake, the CGC said, but assured that investigations are ongoing to unravel the importers and bring them to book.
He explained that operating with intelligence and monitoring, dutiful officers of the command in collaboration with the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) kept an eye on the containers awaiting the consignees, but as they failed to show up after three months, the containers were opened to examine their contents.
Adeniyi expressed deep concerns over the growing trend of illicit drugs importation, saying that “this operation highlights a troubling trend and the evolving tactics of criminality and insecurity in our country.”
“However, it also is evident of the NCS resolve to remain vigilant and showcase our ability to intercept and disrupt the activities of those who seek to harm our nation,” he quickly noted.
In details, the seizures include:
a.three plastic drums concealing several packets of Cannabis Indica, 46 bags containing 2,144 packets of Cannabis Indica all weighing 1,072 kilogrammes (kg) seized from one 40ft Container No. GAOU 669921/5 imported from Canada. The approximate street value of the illicit substances is N3.22 billion.
b. 877 cartons of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine- 200 bottles of 100ml per carton and 82 cartons of Really Extra Diclofenac Sodium 50mg tablets – 600 packs per carton imported from India. The approximate street value of the cough syrup is N964.34 million.
Adeniyi said: “The NCS will continue to work closely with relevant national and international agencies to conduct operations that lead to the interception of illegal goods and the disruption of criminal networks. We urge all patriotic Nigerians to continue their legitimate business activities, assured that the NCS is actively working with stakeholders to ease the challenges faced by businesses and the general public.
“I will conclude, as I appreciate your presence once again at this critical press conference, where recent seizures of unregistered drugs were highlighted, revealing the persistent challenges posed by sophisticated smuggling networks.Investigations are currently ongoing, and perpetuators will be made to serve the full wrath of the law.
“Let this seizure serve as a warning to those who engage in illicit activities that the NCS remains vigilant and dedicated to protecting our society. NCS is more than ever committed to ensuring that the benefits of a stable and prosperous economy are enjoyed by all Nigerians.”
