Customs intercepts 140 rifles, cannabis-infused snacks worth N373.8m at TinCan port
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it intercepted 140 pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused food products at the TinCan Island Port in Lagos.
Speaking on Thursday during a press briefing, Bashir Adeniyi, comptroller-general of customs (CGC), said the seizures were made during recent enforcement operations by the TinCan Island Port command.
Adeniyi said customs operatives intercepted a container on July 8 containing concealed knock-down components of pump-action rifles.
He said 140 rifles have been assembled from the recovered parts, adding that officers are still assembling the remaining components.
The CGC said one principal suspect was arrested on July 31 at a bonded terminal while attempting to process the release of the container.
According to him, financial and telecommunications records linked the suspect to the shipment.
He added that two suspects are currently in custody assisting with investigations, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being tracked by security agencies.
CUSTOMS INTERCEPTS CANNABIS-INFUSED SNACKS
Adeniyi also noted that customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers laden with cannabis-infused products concealed among imported items, including vehicles, generators, batteries and fabrics.
He said the seizure included 8,720 pieces of Delta-8 cannabis pre-roll cookies weighing 17.44 kilogrammes and valued at N308.7 million.
The customs boss added that officers recovered 740 packs of cannabis-infused gummies weighing 515.2 kilogrammes and valued at N40.7 million, as well as 873 cartons containing 442 packs of cannabis-infused cookies weighing 309.4 kilogrammes and valued at N24.3 million.
He said the combined street value of the seized cannabis-infused products is N373.8 million.
Adeniyi noted that the products were packaged to resemble ordinary snacks, with flavours such as citrus, vanilla, pine and peach pie, making them attractive to children, students and other young people.
He said the deceptive packaging could cause unsuspecting consumers to unknowingly ingest the products.
The CGC commended Joseph Anani, area controller of the TinCan Island Port command, and officers of the enforcement unit for their vigilance and professionalism.
He reiterated the service’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring the prosecution of those involved in trafficking illicit arms and dangerous drugs.
Adeniyi also praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its collaboration with the customs service and urged Nigerians to provide credible intelligence to support anti-smuggling efforts.
Receiving the seized items, Augustine Adewunmi, commander of narcotics at the NDLEA TinCan Strategic Command, described cannabis-infused cookies, gummies and smoothies as an emerging threat to public safety.
Adewunmi said the products, imported from the United States, were marketed as vegan snacks with flavours such as citrus, vanilla and peach to deceive unsuspecting consumers.
He warned that the products were deliberately designed to appeal to children, students and clubgoers, increasing the risk of accidental drug consumption.
The NDLEA commander said two suspects are in custody while investigations continue.
He urged parents, schools and the public to remain vigilant, warning that consuming the products delivers concentrated cannabis directly to the body.
