The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it intercepted 140 pump-action rifles and c^nnabis-infused food products at the TinCan Island Port in Lagos.
Speaking on Thursday during a press briefing, Bashir
Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), said the seizures were made
during recent enforcement operations by the TinCan Island Port command.
Adeniyi said customs operatives intercepted a container on
July 8 containing concealed knock-down components of pump-action rifles.
He said 140 rifles have been assembled from the recovered
parts, adding that officers are still assembling the remaining components.
The CGC said one principal suspect was arrested on July 31
at a bonded terminal while attempting to process the release of the container.
According to him, financial and telecommunications records
linked the suspect to the shipment.
He added that two suspects are currently in custody
assisting with investigations, while another principal suspect remains at large
and is being tracked by security agencies.
CUSTOMS INTERCEPTS C*NNABIS-INFUSED SNACKS
Adeniyi also noted that customs officers intercepted two
40-foot containers laden with c^nnabis-infused products concealed among
imported items, including vehicles, generators, batteries and fabrics.
He said the seizure included 8,720 pieces of Delta-8
c*nnabis pre-roll cookies weighing 17.44 kilogrammes and valued at N308.7
million.
The customs boss added that officers recovered 740 packs of
c*nnabis-infused gummies weighing 515.2 kilogrammes and valued at N40.7
million, as well as 873 cartons containing 442 packs of c*nnabis-infused
cookies weighing 309.4 kilogrammes and valued at N24.3 million.
He said the combined street value of the seized
c*nnabis-infused products is N373.8 million.
Adeniyi noted that the products were packaged to resemble
ordinary snacks, with flavours such as citrus, vanilla, pine and peach pie,
making them attractive to children, students and other young people.
He said the deceptive packaging could cause unsuspecting
consumers to unknowingly ingest the products.
The CGC commended Joseph Anani, area controller of the
TinCan Island Port command, and officers of the enforcement unit for their
vigilance and professionalism.
He reiterated the service’s commitment to safeguarding
Nigeria’s borders and ensuring the prosecution of those involved in trafficking
illicit arms and dangerous drugs.
Adeniyi also praised the National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency (NDLEA) for its collaboration with the customs service and urged
Nigerians to provide credible intelligence to support anti-smuggling efforts.
Receiving the seized items, Augustine Adewunmi, commander of
narcotics at the NDLEA TinCan Strategic Command, described c^nnabis-infused
cookies, gummies and smoothies as an emerging threat to public safety.
Adewunmi said the products, imported from the United States,
were marketed as vegan snacks with flavours such as citrus, vanilla and peach
to deceive unsuspecting consumers.
He warned that the products were deliberately designed to
appeal to children, students and clubgoers, increasing the risk of accidental
drug consumption.
The NDLEA commander said two suspects are in custody while
investigations continue.
He urged parents, schools and the public to remain vigilant,
warning that consuming the products delivers concentrated c^nnabis directly to
the body.
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