The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 140 pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused food products valued at N373.8 million at the TinCan Island Port in Lagos, in what officials describe as a significant blow to organised crime.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed the seizures at a news conference on Thursday, highlighting major enforcement operations conducted by the TinCan Island Port Command.
Customs operatives intercepted a container on July 8 carrying concealed knock-down components of pump-action rifles. While 140 rifles have been assembled from the recovered parts, assembly of remaining components is ongoing.
One principal suspect was arrested on July 31 at a bonded terminal while attempting to facilitate the container’s release. Financial and telecommunications evidence has linked the suspect to the shipment, with two additional suspects in custody and another principal suspect still at large, currently being tracked by security operatives.
Drug Seizure
In a separate operation, officers intercepted two 40-foot containers laden with cannabis-infused products concealed among imported vehicles, generators, batteries, and fabrics.
The seized drugs comprised:
· 8,720 pieces of Delta-8 cannabis pre-roll cookies, weighing 17.44 kilogrammes and valued at N308.7 million
· 740 packs of cannabis-infused gummies, weighing 515.2 kg and valued at N40.7 million
· 873 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies in 442 packs, weighing 309.4 kg and valued at N24.3 million
The total street value of the seized drugs stands at N373.8 million.
Public Safety Warning
Mr Adeniyi warned that the products are attractively packaged with flavours such as citrus, vanilla, pine, and peach pie to resemble ordinary snacks, specifically designed to appeal to children, students, and young people.
“Unsuspecting consumers could unknowingly ingest these products because of their deceptive packaging,” he cautioned.
The Customs boss commended the Area Controller of TinCan Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, and enforcement unit officers for their vigilance and professionalism, reaffirming the service’s commitment to securing the nation’s borders and prosecuting those involved in illicit arms and dangerous drug trafficking.
NDLEA Collaboration
Receiving the seized items, Commander of Narcotics at NDLEA TinCan Strategic Command, Augustine Adewunmi, described cannabis-infused cookies, gummies, and smoothies as an emerging threat to public safety. The products, imported from the United States, were packaged as vegan snacks with flavours including citrus, vanilla, and peach to deceive consumers.
Mr Adewunmi warned that the products were specifically designed to appeal to children, students, and club users, increasing the risk of accidental drug consumption. Two suspects are in custody as investigations continue.
He urged parents, schools, and members of the public to remain vigilant, noting that ingesting the products delivers concentrated cannabis directly into the body.