Customs seizes arms, illicit drugs at Tin Can port

The Tin-Can Island port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of arms, ammunition and illicit drugs imported into the country by criminal elements.

The seized arms included 11 rifles, six pistols, among other weapons.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Friday, Controller, Tin Can Island Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, stated that the recovery of the llicit drugs such as colorado, cannabis indica and heroine was made possible through collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Nnadi noted that due to an ongoing investigation, the source of the arms and ammunition will not be disclosed at this time.

He said, “The main reason for bringing all of us here today is to showcase the successes that we have recorded collaborating with our partner agencies in the area of enforcement.

“The Command anti-smuggling drive has yielded the following results: one 20P 9964 Rifle; another 20P 9964 Rifle; one Pump Action Rifle; one Practical Tactical 30H PTO19922 Rifle; another 20P 992 Rifle; two AV Pump Action Rifle; and yet another P10115 Rifle.

“In total, we seized 11 Rifles and six Pistols from different containers imported into the country at different times.

“In addition to these, the command in recent times also made yet another seizure of psychotropic substances imported into the country but through the collaboration of our partner agency – the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), they were intercepted.

“Based on this collaboration, several kilograms of cannabis indica has been seized. The latest seizure was 23 packages containing 23 Kilograms of heroine was seen in a container, the identity of which we are still keeping secret because investigation is still ongoing.

“Let me also state that our resolve to make these seizures is to further support government’s efforts to keep the nation safe. As we are all aware, the conveyors of these products intend to use them for nefarious activities that include support to insurgents, kidnapping activities and other vices that are inimical to the well-being and security of our nation.”

In the area of revenue generation, Nnadi disclosed that the Command had recorded over N240 billion in revenue collection between January and March 2024.

This figure, he said, surpassed the monthly revenue target of the command, indicating a significant achievement in revenue generation.

“For the first two months and 14 days of this year, the Tin-Can Customs Command has been able to generate N240,302,000,000.00. This is what we have generated from January to today, 15th of March, 2024.

“If you recall, our revenue target on a monthly basis is N94billion. What this means is that we have been able to surpass our expected revenue target of N188billion for January and February.

“By way of percentage, we have surpassed our January revenue target by 107 percent and also surpassed our February target by 141 percent. I will not give you the percentage for March because we are still in the middle of March,” he said.