Customs CG Applauds Compt Dera, As TinCan Command Seizes Over N6.5b Worth Illicit Drugs, Guns
…Attributes Success to Collaboration with NDLEA, Others
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Port Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has recorded a massive feat in the agency’s quest to combat importation of illicit drugs and substances into the nation.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Thursday, in Lagos, unveiled a huge cache of illicit substances intercepted and seized by the Tin Can command worth a total of over N6.5billion.
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This includes a total of 56.39 kilogrammes of cocaine with the street value of N2,368,380,000 Naira only; 955 kilogramme of Colorado indica, which is also valued at 1.9 billion naira with the total street value of 4.27 9 billion naira. The summary of the weapons seized is five pistol and 445 rounds of live ammunition and several empty pistol magazines.
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The illegal goods were concealed in containers number UACU5348336, TRHU 796857 and 7852763 imported from Canada and South Africa respectively.
While speaking to journalists, Adeniyi applauded Comptroller Dera Nnadi, the Area Controller in charge of the command for effective performance and intelligence.
He said: “Let me offer a word of commendation to all the officers that have been involved and led by the Customs Area Controller and all his officers and men who have worked with him, day and night. As at last week we were briefed that they are in the process of monitoring the movement of these containers. And we’re happy that this has happened this way.”
He pointed that the suspects linked to the seizures have not been disclosed totally as investigation into the criminal network are still ongoing.
The customs boss also attributed the landmark seizure to collaboration between the agency and other sister agencies, especially the NDLEA and others.
He said, “I also want to commend the officers of the The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA who have been magnanimous in sharing the intelligence that they have and have cooperated with Customs to ensure that collectively, we are able to share this today.”
“You may recall that in recent months, the Nigeria Customs Service has reported a number of successfully executed multiple interception and seizures of illicit drugs, arms and ammunition at various locations. This is due to the collaboration between the Customs and NDLEA.
“The ongoing collaborative efforts between the duo for about 7 months have consistently yielded positive results. This synergy exemplifies the effectiveness of pooling resources and intelligence, reinforcing the commitment of both agencies to safeguarding the nation’s borders and protecting its citizens from threats posed by dangerous drugs.”
Speaking further, CGC Adeniyi linked the wave of crime to illicit drugs and access to arm and ammunition, urging stakeholders to collaborate more to shatter the link.
He said: “The interplay between illicit drugs and various criminal activities, including but not limited to kidnapping, banditry, and other various pursuits is undeniable.
“Drugs often serve as a catalyst, creating a conducive environment for criminal elements by inducing a state of altered consciousness popularly called highness. These substances provide the impetus for individuals to engage in heinous crimes that undermine the peace and security of our society. Simultaneously, the possession of arms and ammunition and pass these criminal elements, enabling them to brazenly challenge the authority of the states and its security apparatus.
“The nexus between drug related activities, and the arming of criminal elements underscores the critical need for concerted efforts in combating both aspects to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities. Therefore, disrupting the link between illicit drugs, criminal activities and access to arms and ammunition stands as a critical strategy in reducing the overall crime rates,” he added.
