The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted a huge shipment of sativa cannabis from Canada and arrested several suspects involved in the smuggling operation, News About Nigeria reports.
Speaking to reporters in Lagos, Customs Area Comptroller Dera Nnadi revealed that the joint operation was based on actionable intelligence regarding the illegal importation of dangerous drugs.
The drugs were discovered in three containers, identified as MSMU518030/2, MSMU602957/0, and FSCU927461/3, during a 100% physical examination on August 2, 2024.
Nnadi disclosed that one container alone contained 77 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 38.5kg.
In total, the three containers held 684 packets, weighing 341.025 kg, with an estimated street value of N682 million.
The illicit drugs have been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation, and the suspects involved are currently under investigation.
Customs and NDLEA officials have confirmed that more containers are likely to be seized in the coming weeks as the investigation unfolds.
This operation is part of the ongoing collaboration between the NCS and NDLEA, aimed at curbing the importation of dangerous drugs into the country.
“A joint 100% physical examination was conducted on 8 Aug 2024, and the examination revealed 75 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 37.5 kg. At the time of processing the intelligence, no declaration had been entered. The shipping company with respect to the consignment is MSC.
“Investigation by the Command and our partner agency the NDLEA is ongoing and the NDLEA will update you on the interdiction, arrest and prosecution. “In furtherance of the synergy between the NDLEA and the NCS, the Command handed over the contents of the three containers totaling 684 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 341.025 kg with a street value of N682million,” Nnadi said.
