The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported a number of successfully executed multiple interceptions and seizures of illicit drugs, arms and ammunition at various locations, representing a concerted effort to prevent illegal entry into the country through diverse routes.
The Comptroller General of NCS Bashir Adewale Adeniyi showcased the seizures in Lagos at Tincan Island Command of the service in Lagos on the 24th of January 2024.
The summary of the seized substances is 56.39kg of Cocaine valued at N 2,368,380,000, 955kg of Colorado Indica valued at 1,911,400,000, all with street value of N4.279 Billion Naira. The summary of the weapons seized is 5 pistols and 445 rounds of live ammunition and several empty pistol magazines.
According to Adeniyi these interception operations have brought to light a concerning trend wherein criminal networks engage in collaborative attempts to subvert the competency of the agencies tasked with mitigating the entry of such illicit substances.
The CG emphasized that the service is on putting all actions to underscore the persistent challenges posed by sophisticated smuggling networks, and the critical need to enhance cooperation and advance strategies to fortify the nation’s borders and preserve the safety and security of its citizens.
He recognized the threats in the collaborative nature of criminal activities, but noted that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has steadfastly prioritized strategic partnerships with stakeholders over the past seven months to tackle the situation.
His words, “This deliberate focus aims to harness the specialized expertise of our partners in a manner that enhances our capability to fulfil our core mandates.
“Just as criminals find strength in collaboration, government agencies must equally appreciate the advantages of working collectively to fulfil their statutory responsibilities”.
He said that It is within this context that the ongoing collaborative efforts between the NCS and the Nigeria Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have consistently yielded positive results.
His words, “This collaborative synergy exemplifies the effectiveness of pooling resources and intelligence, reinforcing the commitment of both agencies to safeguarding the nation’s borders and protecting its citizens from the threats posed by illegal substances”.
He said that the interplay between illicit drugs and various criminal activities, including but not limited to kidnapping, banditry, and other nefarious pursuits, is undeniable.
He pointed Drugs as often serving as a catalyst that creates a conducive environment for criminal elements by inducing a state of altered consciousness.
Furthermore, He said that these substances provide the impetus for individuals to engage in heinous acts that undermine the peace and security of our society.
He emphasized that the possession of arms and ammunition empowers these criminal elements, enabling them to brazenly challenge the authority of the state and its security apparatus.
He critically opined the need for concerted efforts in combating both drug-related activities and the arming of criminal elements which he said underscores the aspects to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.
He therefore admonished that disrupting the link between illicit drugs, criminal activities, and access to arms and ammunition stands as a critical strategy in reducing overall crime rates.
He advised that suppressing drug-induced altered states and restricting criminal access to weaponry can significantly impact their operational capabilities.
“The interception and seizure of illicit substances, along with stringent control measures over the circulation of arms, are integral components of an effective crime prevention strategy the approach he said it aligns with the broader goal of enhancing public safety and underscores the NCS’s commitment to dismantling the foundations that sustain criminal enterprises, fostering a more secure environment for our citizens.
During the briefing ,He said that the NCS was pleased to provide an update on the outcomes of its collaboration, particularly with the NDLEA, that has being resulting successfully.
Breakdown of the Items seized are:
i. 65 packets of Colarado Indica weighing 32.5kg seized from 1X40FT Container No. UACU 534833/6 imported from Canada.
ii. 17 packets weighing 16.690kg confirmed to be Cocaine, 151 packets Colarado Indica weighing 107 kg, One (1) piece Gen2 Air soft pistol with serial No. 471908, empty magazine, 49 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition, 197 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, precursor chemicals for the manufacture of crystal methamphetamine, 8bags weighing 25kg tartaric acid, 100kegs of unspecified substances seized from 1x40ft Container No. MSCU 458177/0 imported from Durban South Africa.
iii. 40packets weighing39.7kg confirmed to be Cocaine, 1026 packets weighing 688.2kg confirmed to be Colarado Indica, Two (2) pistols without serial numbers, one pistol with SerialNo. AZYSRA6YSO12101181, three (3) empty magazines, 275rounds of 5.5mm M16 Tavor live ammunition, Six rounds of 9mm blank ammunition seized from in 1x40ft container No. THRU 796807/1imported from Durban South Africa
iv. 226 packets weighing 128kg confirmed to be Cannabis Indica seized from 1x40ft Container No.MEDU 785276/3 imported from Durban South Africa.
He revealed that the individuals linked to the seizures have not been disclosed as investigations into the criminal network are ongoing.
While He assured that NCS will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators involved in these illicit activities face the full consequences of the law. Our relentless pursuit of justice underscores the determination to dismantle the networks enabling these criminal acts, reinforcing our dedication to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the security and well-being of the Nigerian people.
In conclusion the CG of Customs in collaboration with NDLEA pledged to remain steadfast in their commitment to enhance the ongoing collaborations aimed at eradicating criminal elements from society.
