Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has intercepted 140 pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused food products valued at ₦373.8 million at the TinCan Island Port in Lagos.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this during a press briefing on recent enforcement operations by the TinCan Island Port Command.
Adeniyi said Customs operatives intercepted a container containing concealed knock-down components of pump-action rifles.
He said 140 rifles had been assembled from the recovered components, while officers were still working to assemble the remaining parts.
According to him, one principal suspect was arrested at a bonded terminal while attempting to process the release of the container.
He said financial and telecommunications records had linked the suspect to the shipment.
“Two suspects are currently in custody assisting with investigations, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being tracked by security agencies,” Adeniyi said.
The Customs boss also disclosed the interception of two 40-foot containers carrying cannabis-infused products concealed among imported items, including vehicles, generators, batteries and fabrics.
He said the seizure comprised 8,720 pieces of Delta-8 cannabis pre-roll cookies weighing 17.44 kilogrammes and valued at ₦308.7 million.
The operatives also recovered 740 packs of cannabis-infused gummies weighing 515.2 kilogrammes and valued at ₦40.7 million.
Another seizure involved 873 cartons containing 442 packs of cannabis-infused cookies weighing 309.4 kilogrammes and valued at ₦24.3 million.
Adeniyi said the combined street value of the cannabis-infused products was ₦373.8 million.
He said the products were packaged to resemble ordinary snacks and came in flavours including citrus, vanilla, pine and peach pie.
According to him, the deceptive packaging could make the products attractive to children, students and other young people, creating the risk of unsuspecting consumers ingesting cannabis.
Adeniyi commended Mr Joseph Anani, Area Controller of the TinCan Island Port Command, and officers of the enforcement unit for their vigilance and professionalism.
He reiterated the NCS commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders and ensuring that persons involved in the trafficking of illicit arms and dangerous drugs were brought to justice.
The Comptroller-General also commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its collaboration with the Customs Service and urged Nigerians to provide credible information to support anti-smuggling operations.
Receiving the seized cannabis products, Mr Augustine Adewunmi, Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA TinCan Strategic Command, described cannabis-infused cookies, gummies and smoothies as an emerging threat to public safety.
Adewunmi said the products were imported from the United States and marketed as vegan snacks with flavours such as citrus, vanilla and peach to deceive unsuspecting consumers.
He warned that the products appeared to have been deliberately packaged to appeal to children, students and clubgoers, thereby increasing the risk of accidental drug consumption.
The NDLEA commander confirmed that two suspects were in custody while investigations continued.
He urged parents, schools and members of the public to remain vigilant, warning that consuming the products could deliver concentrated cannabis directly into the body.
