TinCan Customs on Red Alert !!! Seizes illicit drugs, arms, ammunition worth NN4.3bn, in synergy with NDLEA

TinCan Customs on Red Alert !!!
Seizes illicit drugs, arms, ammunition worth NN4.3bn, in synergy with NDLEA

…CGC Adeniyi, Compt Nnadi battle-ready for economic saboteurs

The TinCan Island Port Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), is currently on red alert to thwart illicit trade by economic saboteurs working against government policies, as the Command intercepted illicit drugs, arms, ammunition worth N4.279billion (approximately N4.3billion).

The mind-blowing seizures were made in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in an effort to protect the economic ambience from nefarious activities of die-hard smugglers

By now, smugglers daring the might of the Service will be counting their losses, as the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR; the Customs Area Controller, CAC, of TinCan Command,
Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, are battle-ready for illicit traders sabotaging the nation’s economy.

Our Correspondent observed that the CGC, his team from Abuja and Compt Nnadi all appeared in their combat uniforms, which was a strong signal to show that they are ready for war with unrepentant smugglers, in order to save the nation’s economy and the lives of innocent citizens from influx of arms, ammunition and dangerous drugs.

Speaking during the press conference, the CGC revealed that the deadly cargoes were imported from Canada and South Africa into Nigeria.

He informed that through credible intelligence, Customs officers in synergy with NDLEA monitored the consignments from ports of origin and intercepted them at TinCan Port.

His words : “The seizures include 65 packets of Colarado Indica weighing 32.5kg seized from 1X40FT Container No. UACU 534833/6 imported from Canada. 17 packets weighing 16.690kg confirmed to be Cocaine, 151 packets Colarado Indica weighing 107 kg, one piece Gen2 Air soft pistol with serial No. 471908, empty magazine, 49 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, 197 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, precursor chemicals for manufacturing 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.

“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. The summary of the weapons seized is 5 pistols and 445 rounds of live ammunition and several empty pistol magazines.

“The individuals linked to these seizures have not been disclosed, as investigations into the criminal network are ongoing. The NCS is committed to leaving 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”.

The CGC went on : “Recall that in recent months, the Nigeria Customs Service 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 and means of conveyance.

“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. Our actions underscore the persistent challenges posed by sophisticated smuggling networks, emphasising the critical need for enhanced cooperation and advanced strategies to fortify the nation’s borders and preserve the safety and security of its citizens.

“In recognition of the threats and the collaborative nature of criminal activities, the Service has steadfastly prioritised strategic partnerships with stakeholders over the past seven months. This deliberate focus aims to harness the specialised 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. It is within this context that the ongoing collaborative efforts between NCS and NDLEA consistently yielded positive results.

“This 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.

“The interplay between illicit drugs and various criminal activities, including but not limited to kidnapping, banditry, and other nefarious pursuits, is undeniable. Drugs, often serve as a catalyst, create a conducive environment for criminal elements by inducing a state of altered consciousness.

“These substances provide the impetus for individuals to engage in heinous acts that undermine the peace and security of our society. Simultaneously, the possession of arms and ammunition empowers these criminal elements, enabling them to brazenly challenge the authority of the state and its security apparatus.

“The nexus between drug-related activities and the arming of criminal elements underscores the critical need for concerted efforts in combating both aspects to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.

“Therefore, disrupting the link between illicit drugs, criminal activities, and access to arms and ammunition stands as a critical strategy in reducing overall crime rates. Suppressing drug-induced altered states and restricting criminal access to weaponry can significantly impact their operational capabilities.

“The seizure of illicit substances, along with stringent control measures over the circulation of arms, are integral components of an effective crime prevention strategy. This approach 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.”

At the end, the CGC handed over the dangerous drugs to NDLEA for further investigation.