Customs, NDLEA seize 1,187kg of cannabis at Apapa Port

A file photo: Officials of the Nigeria Customs Service

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The Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have uncovered a total of 2,374 packages of Canadian loud concealed in 55 bags hidden inside a 20-foot container with registration number FCIU 6369526, concealed inside two imported vehicles at the Apapa Port.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Public Relations Officer of the command, Suleiman Isah, added that the total weight of the illicit drug is 1,187kg.

This interception is coming barely five days after both agencies uncovered 25.5kg of cocaine in a Brazilian-flagged vessel.

The statement further explained that the agencies, in the course of joint examination, discovered the seizure, adding that the contrabands have been taken into the custody of the NDLEA.

“Following credible intelligence, the NCS and the NDLEA have uncovered a total of 2,374 packages of Canadian loud concealed in 55 bags hidden inside a 20ft container with registration number FCIU 6369526 concealed inside two imported vehicles. The total weight of the illicit drug is 1,187kg,” the statement read in part.

It stressed that a breakdown of the drugs indicates that they were packed in 500 grams per sachet,” the statement added.

Speaking on the seizure, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Emmanuel Oshoba, commended the robust synergy between the two agencies.

He reiterated the service’s zero tolerance for smuggling.

A few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due check. Our synergy as agencies of government will always put us ahead of criminal elements. No matter the volume of trade we are processing, we will never sacrifice national security and the economy for any form of trade. While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for the government, our eagle-eyed officers are activated to be on alert at all times,” Oshoba said.

He warned that any trader, importer, exporter, freight forwarder or licensed customs agent that dares to defy the command’s resolve this season and beyond will face the full wrath of the law.

“Investigations are ongoing on this seizure and we shall bring the perpetrators to book,” Comptroller Oshoba said.

The Apapa Area Command is one of the oldest, largest and most strategic commands of the NCS.

It operates primarily from the Apapa Port Complex in Lagos, Nigeria’s busiest seaport and the country’s largest gateway for imports and exports.

Anozie is a Chief Correspondent with PUNCH. He has over 13 years experience covering entertainment, maritime and transport sectors

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