Customs Intercepts 140 Rifles, Cannabis-Infused Snacks Worth N373.8m at TinCan Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 140 pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused food products valued at N373.8 million during separate enforcement operations at the TinCan Island Port in Lagos, dealing a major blow to arms traffickers and illicit drug smugglers.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed the seizures on Thursday during a press briefing, describing the operations as part of the service’s ongoing efforts to strengthen border security and curb the importation of prohibited items into the country.

According to Adeniyi, customs operatives intercepted a container on July 8 containing concealed knock-down components of pump-action rifles. He said officers successfully assembled 140 rifles from the recovered parts and are still working to assemble additional components found inside the shipment.

The Customs boss revealed that one principal suspect was arrested on July 31 at a bonded terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container.

He said financial and telecommunications records linked the suspect to the illegal consignment, adding that two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being tracked by security agencies.

In a separate operation, Adeniyi said customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers loaded with cannabis-infused products hidden among imported vehicles, generators, batteries and fabrics.

The seized narcotics included 8,720 Delta-8 cannabis pre-roll cookies weighing 17.44 kilogrammes with an estimated value of N308.7 million, 740 packs of cannabis-infused gummies weighing 515.2 kilogrammes valued at N40.7 million, and 873 cartons containing 442 packs of cannabis-infused cookies weighing 309.4 kilogrammes worth N24.3 million.

He explained that the products were deliberately packaged to resemble ordinary snacks and marketed in flavours such as vanilla, citrus, peach pie and pine, making them attractive to children, students and young people.

According to him, the deceptive packaging poses a serious public health risk because unsuspecting consumers could unknowingly ingest cannabis.

Adeniyi commended officers of the TinCan Island Port Command for their vigilance and reaffirmed the Customs Service’s commitment to combating the trafficking of illegal arms and dangerous drugs.

Receiving the exhibits, Augustine Adewunmi, Commander of Narcotics at the NDLEA TinCan Strategic Command, described cannabis-infused snacks as an emerging threat, warning that the products were intentionally designed to appeal to vulnerable groups, including children and students.

He confirmed that two suspects remain in custody while investigations continue and urged parents, schools and members of the public to remain alert to the dangers posed by such products.