Authorities seize assault rifles, marijuana edibles valued at N374m at Tin Can port

The Nigeria Customs Service made a significant seizure at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, intercepting 140 pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused food products valued at N373.8 million.

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This revelation was made by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, during a news conference on Thursday, where he highlighted the major enforcement operations undertaken by the TinCan Island Port Command.

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According to Adeniyi, customs operatives discovered a container on July 8 containing concealed knock-down components of pump-action rifles, from which 140 rifles have been assembled so far, with the assembly of the remaining components still ongoing.

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One principal suspect was apprehended on July 31 at a bonded terminal while attempting to facilitate the container's release, with financial and telecommunications evidence linking the suspect to the shipment.

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Currently, two suspects are in custody assisting investigations, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being tracked by security operatives, as announced by the Comptroller-General of Customs.

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Additionally, customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers laden with cannabis-infused products, which were concealed among imported goods such as vehicles, generators, batteries, and fabrics.

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The seized drugs comprised 8,720 pieces of Delta-8 cannabis pre-roll cookies weighing 17.44 kilogrammes and valued at N308.7 million, as well as 740 packs of cannabis-infused gummies weighing 515.2kg and valued at N40.7 million.

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Furthermore, 873 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies in 442 packs weighing 309.4kg and valued at N24.3 million were also recovered, bringing the total street value of the seized drugs to N373.8 million.

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Adeniyi warned that these products are attractively packaged with flavours such as citrus, vanilla, pine, and peach pie, making them resemble ordinary snacks and appealing to children, students, and other young people, who may unknowingly ingest them due to their deceptive packaging.

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The customs boss commended the Area Controller of TinCan Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, and the officers of the enforcement unit for their vigilance and professionalism in carrying out their duties.

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He reaffirmed the service's commitment to securing the nation's borders and prosecuting those involved in the trafficking of illicit arms and dangerous drugs, while also commending the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for its collaboration.

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Adeniyi urged Nigerians to provide credible intelligence to support anti-smuggling operations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in this effort.

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Receiving the seized items, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA TinCan Strategic Command, Mr Augustine Adewunmi, described cannabis-infused cookies, gummies, and smoothies as an emerging threat to public safety, highlighting their potential to cause harm.

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According to Adewunmi, these products, imported from the United States, are packaged as vegan snacks with flavours such as citrus, vanilla, and peach, designed to deceive unsuspecting consumers and appeal to children, students, and club users.

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He warned that ingesting these products delivers concentrated cannabis directly into the body, increasing the risk of accidental drug consumption, and urged parents, schools, and members of the public to remain vigilant.

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Adewunmi announced that two suspects are in custody while investigations continue, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and cooperation to combat the threat posed by these cannabis-infused products.