By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Lagos, has intercepted illicit drugs and other controlled substances with an estimated street value of N3.95 billion.
The Unit also arrested three suspects in connection with the seizures and handed them over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
Controller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, disclosed this on Thursday in Lagos during the formal handover of the seized narcotics to the NDLEA.
Among the items intercepted were 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks of synthetic cannabis weighing 3,116.9kg, as well as other quantities of cannabis, crystal methamphetamine and cigars.
The seizures also included 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of Tramadol tablets, 1,200 Hypnox tablets and 97 bottles of codeine syrup.
Aliyu said the seizures were made during sustained anti-smuggling operations along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within the Unit’s area of responsibility.
He said the enforcement action demonstrated Customs’ commitment to protecting national security and public health while supporting the fight against trans-border criminality.
“The illicit movement of Cannabis Sativa and other controlled substances poses a serious threat to public health, national security and the future of our young people,” Aliyu said.
He added that Customs would continue to strengthen collaboration with the NDLEA and other security agencies through intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated enforcement.
The Customs chief also disclosed that officers intercepted four cylinders of high-grade mercury weighing 34.5kg each, allegedly intended for illegal gold mining.
He said the mercury, which poses environmental hazards and is subject to international controls, would be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for appropriate action.
Aliyu assured that FOU Zone ‘A’ would sustain intelligence-driven operations to disrupt the activities of smugglers and criminal networks while facilitating legitimate trade.
