- Customs seized 16 containers of contraband worth ₦10 billion in Lagos.
- Two rifles, ammunition, and 101kg of cannabis were found in a cleared container.
- Expired drugs, margarine, and used clothing were among the seized items.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of 16 containers loaded with prohibited items worth over N10 billion at the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known on Monday during a briefing in Lagos. He said the interceptions were made following intelligence-driven operations and coordinated inspections involving other security agencies.
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Among the items recovered were two pump-action rifles, 25 rounds of live ammunition, and 202 cans of Colorado Loud, a potent variant of Canadian cannabis.
The psychoactive substance was concealed in a 40-foot container marked MRSU6407089. Each can reportedly weighed about 500 grams, bringing the total weight to 101 kilograms — roughly equivalent to two standard bags of cement.
Although the container had initially passed clearance procedures, a follow-up inspection led to the discovery of the concealed drugs and arms. The shipment was traced to a consignee identified as Babatunde Ogidiolu, a Lagos resident.
Further searches revealed additional illicit goods, including a Smith & Wesson pistol with 55 rounds of ammunition, seven containers filled with expired pharmaceuticals, three containers of expired margarine, and another three packed with second-hand clothing — an item prohibited under Nigerian law.
In addition, officers intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying a total of 2,580 sacks of frozen poultry products, and another container (ZZSU7277511) stuffed with 305 cartons of counterfeit toothpaste hidden beneath beads and traditional jalabiya garments.
Two more containers were found to contain expired medications intended for treating chest and lung conditions. These products had no approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Two more containers were also discovered with large quantities of codeine-based syrups, suspected to be connected to a previously identified smuggling network.
Adeniyi noted that the NCS has intensified its efforts by deploying technology, enhancing intelligence gathering, and strengthening collaboration with other enforcement agencies to disrupt smuggling networks.
“We are walking a tightrope to ensure we meet all our mandates without compromise,” he said.
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