NCS Intercepts Over N3.1b Illicit Drugs At Tin-Can Port

In a bold move against illicit activities, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted and seized significant quantities of illicit drugs and pharmaceutical products worth over N3.2bn at various points across the country.

Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, addressed a packed press conference in Lagos today, detailing the latest seizures and emphasizing the NCS’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and communities.

Opening the conference, Adeniyi highlighted the recent successes in intercepting illegal shipments, including drugs, arms, wildlife, and petroleum products. These seizures underscore the ongoing battle against criminal networks attempting to undermine national security and economic stability through illegal activities.

“The misuse of drugs such as Cannabis Indica and codeine poses severe dangers to our society,” Adeniyi stated, addressing the devastating impact on youth and the broader community. He pointed out that these substances not only jeopardize public health but also contribute to increased criminal activities and social unrest.

Providing specific details, Adeniyi disclosed the seizure of two containers by the Tin-Can Command of the NCS:

– Container 1 (40ft): Concealed within were 3 plastic drums holding packets of Cannabis Indica and 46 bags containing a total of 2,144 packets, weighing 1,072 kilograms. The estimated street value of the seized substances is N3,216,000,000.00 (Three Billion Two Hundred Sixteen Million Naira).

– Container 2 (40ft): This shipment from India contained 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).

The approximate street value of the seized cough syrup amounts to N964,339,348.00 (Nine Hundred and Sixty Four Million, Three Hundred and Thirty Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty Eight Naira). Totalling (N4,180,339,348.00) Four Billion, One Hundred and Eighty Million, Three Hundred and Thirty Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty Eight Naira Only.

Adeniyi emphasized that these operations exemplify the NCS’s determination to intercept and disrupt criminal activities.

He acknowledged the collaborative efforts with agencies like the Nigeria Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which have proven instrumental in these successes.

“We continue to urge all patriotic Nigerians to engage in legitimate business activities,” Adeniyi urged, underscoring the NCS’s commitment to supporting lawful trade while combating illicit practices.