By Idowu Addison
The Lagos Free Trade Zone Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a container laden with 400 kilogrammes of suspected Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as Loud, and handed it over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi, said the seizure followed credible and actionable intelligence received by officers of the Command.
Kukoyi disclosed that the officers intercepted the suspicious container, with registration number PRSU1562064, shortly after it arrived at Lekki Deep Sea Port. The consignment was reportedly destined for a bonded terminal outside the Command’s jurisdiction.
According to him, the container was scheduled for onward transportation by barge through the waterways under the Customs transire procedure.
However, considering the potential security implications and the risks associated with allowing a suspicious consignment to leave the port environment, the Command decided to detain the container for further examination.
The subsequent inspection led to the discovery of the suspected illicit substance, prompting the Customs Command to hand over the consignment to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action.
Kukoyi said:” In line with established Customs procedures and our intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, the container was subjected to non-intrusive inspection through scanning. The scanning report revealed anomalies that necessitated a comprehensive physical examination.
“Consequently, a joint examination was conducted at Lekki Freeport Terminal by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
“During the examination, seven pallets of packaged goods were discovered. Upon opening and thoroughly examining the pallets, officers uncovered substances suspected to be illicit narcotics, ingeniously concealed among reams of A4 printing paper in an apparent attempt to evade Customs detection.
“The comprehensive examination revealed the following Four hundred (400) packages of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, commonly referred to as “Loud,” with a total weight of 400 kilograms. Seven hundred and ninety-eight (798) reams of A4 printing paper, strategically deployed as concealment materials to disguise the illicit consignment.
“The seized substances have an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦2,2Billion. This interception is not merely about the seizure of 400 kilograms of suspected illicit drugs valued at over ₦2.26 billion.
“It represents a significant victory for public safety, national security and the collective determination of our security agencies to protect Nigerian society from the devastating consequences of drug trafficking and abuse
Every successful interception of this nature is therefore a meaningful intervention in safeguarding lives, preserving communities and protecting the future of our nation.
“It is equally important to emphasize that this operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement, modern Customs technology and sustained inter-agency collaboration.
“We will continue to provide an enabling environment for compliant businesses, investors and port operators while maintaining zero tolerance for smuggling, drug trafficking and all forms of economic sabotage.
“To individuals and criminal networks who may contemplate exploiting our ports, Free Trade Zones and transit corridors for unlawful activities, our message is clear, the Nigeria Customs Service remains vigilant, our intelligence network is active and our enforcement resolve is unwavering.”
