Two Arrested as Customs Intercepts Pump Action Rifles, Cannabis Worth N373.8m at Tin Can Ports
CGC Adeniyi, Compt Anani and other customs officials on Thursday
Two suspects have been arrested over the interception of concealed knock-down parts of pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused products at the Tin Can Island ports.
The seized items are worth N373.8m, according to the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Ph.D.
Adeniyi said the seizure was a major breakthrough in the efforts to battle smugglers of weapons and narcotic substances in the country.
The fire arms came into the country on July 8 aboard MB Velika and was flagged by the customs intelligence operatives.
The container was subjected to comprehensive physical examination at the Enforcement Station where the items were uncovered.
Adeniyi told newsmen, “As of the time of this briefing, 140 pieces of double-barrel Georgia pump-action rifles have been identified, while counting and technical examination are still ongoing to determine the exact quantity and configuration of all the recovered firearm parts.”
The CGC revealed that the suspects were arrested on July 21 when they attempted to release the container at a bonded terminal.
He said that the Customs Service has documentary evidence, financial records and telecommunication analysis which established links between the suspect and the consignee as contained in the shipping documents.
The Customs also seized two other additional containers laden with cannabis-infused products which were concealed among legitimate imports.
The drugs include cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-rolled products containing 8,720 pieces weighing 17.44 kilograms, valued at ₦308.79 million, 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies weighing 515.2 kilograms, valued at ₦40.7 million, and 33 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies weighing 309.4 kilograms, estimated at ₦24.31 million.
The total value of the intercepted cannabis products was put at ₦373,802,640.
“We will stop at nothing to identify, track, arrest and prosecute everyone connected with these criminal enterprises.
Nigerian ports will never become safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics or other prohibited goods,” Adeniyi declared on Thursday.
He was full of praises for the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, and other officers of the Enforcement Unit for their professionalism, vigilance that resulted in the seizures.
The seized items are worth N373.8m, according to the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Ph.D.
Adeniyi said the seizure was a major breakthrough in the efforts to battle smugglers of weapons and narcotic substances in the country.
The fire arms came into the country on July 8 aboard MB Velika and was flagged by the customs intelligence operatives.
The container was subjected to comprehensive physical examination at the Enforcement Station where the items were uncovered.
Adeniyi told newsmen, “As of the time of this briefing, 140 pieces of double-barrel Georgia pump-action rifles have been identified, while counting and technical examination are still ongoing to determine the exact quantity and configuration of all the recovered firearm parts.”
The CGC revealed that the suspects were arrested on July 21 when they attempted to release the container at a bonded terminal.
He said that the Customs Service has documentary evidence, financial records and telecommunication analysis which established links between the suspect and the consignee as contained in the shipping documents.
The Customs also seized two other additional containers laden with cannabis-infused products which were concealed among legitimate imports.
The drugs include cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-rolled products containing 8,720 pieces weighing 17.44 kilograms, valued at ₦308.79 million, 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies weighing 515.2 kilograms, valued at ₦40.7 million, and 33 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies weighing 309.4 kilograms, estimated at ₦24.31 million.
The total value of the intercepted cannabis products was put at ₦373,802,640.
“We will stop at nothing to identify, track, arrest and prosecute everyone connected with these criminal enterprises.
Nigerian ports will never become safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics or other prohibited goods,” Adeniyi declared on Thursday.
He was full of praises for the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, and other officers of the Enforcement Unit for their professionalism, vigilance that resulted in the seizures.
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