The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted 2,374 packages of Canadian loud weighing 1,187kg, concealed in 55 bags inside a 20-foot container at Apapa Port. The container, bearing registration number FCIU 6369526, was hidden within two imported vehicles.
The Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Suleiman Isah, disclosed the seizure in a statement on Thursday, stressing that the illicit drugs were uncovered during a joint examination by the two agencies.
This interception comes just five days after the agencies recovered 25.5kg of cocaine in a Brazilian-flagged vessel at the same port.
The seized contraband has been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and processing, as authorities intensify efforts to curb the smuggling of narcotics into the country.
“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.
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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.
