The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, on Thursday, announced the interception of pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused food products smuggled into the country through the TinCan Island Port.
Mr Adeniyi disclosed this at a news conference on Thursday while highlighting major enforcement operations carried out by the TinCan Island Port Command.
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Mr Adeniyi, who warned that the items pose serious threats to national security and public health, said customs operatives intercepted a container on 8 July carrying concealed knock-down components of pump-action rifles.
He said 140 rifles had so far been assembled from the recovered parts, while the assembly of the remaining components was still ongoing.
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According to him, one principal suspect was arrested on 31 July at a bonded terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container.
He said financial and telecommunications evidence linked the suspect to the shipment.
The CGC said two suspects were in custody assisting investigations, while another principal suspect remained at large and was being tracked by security operatives.
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Mr Adeniyi also said customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers laden with cannabis-infused products concealed among imported goods, including vehicles, generators, batteries and fabrics.
He explained that the seized drugs comprised 8,720 pieces of Delta-8 cannabis pre-roll cookies weighing 17.44 kilogrammes and valued at N308.7 million.
He added that officers recovered 740 packs of cannabis-infused gummies weighing 515.2kg and valued at N40.7 million, as well as 873 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies in 442 packs weighing 309.4kg and valued at N24.3 million.
According to him, the total street value of the seized drugs is N373.8 million.
Mr Adeniyi said that the products were attractively packaged with flavours such as citrus, vanilla, pine and peach pie to resemble ordinary snacks and appeal to children, students and other young people.
He said unsuspecting consumers could unknowingly ingest the products because of their deceptive packaging.
The customs boss commended the Area Controller of TinCan Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, and officers of the enforcement unit for their vigilance and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to securing the nation’s borders and prosecuting those involved in the trafficking of illicit arms and dangerous drugs.
Mr Adeniyi also commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its collaboration and urged Nigerians to provide credible intelligence to support anti-smuggling operations.
Receiving the seized items, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA TinCan Strategic Command, Augustine Adewunmi, described cannabis-infused cookies, gummies and smoothies as an emerging threat to public safety.
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Mr Adewunmi said the products, imported from the United States, were packaged as vegan snacks with flavours such as citrus, vanilla and peach to deceive unsuspecting consumers.
He warned that the products were designed to appeal to children, students and club users, increasing the risk of accidental drug consumption.
The NDLEA commander said two suspects were in custody while investigations continued.
He urged parents, schools and members of the public to remain vigilant, warning that ingesting the products delivered concentrated cannabis directly into the body.
(NAN)
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