News
Customs intercepts illicit drugs, mercury worth N3.95bn in Lagos
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted illicit drugs and mercury with an estimated value of N3.95 billion in separate anti-smuggling operations.
The seizures, carried out over the past three months, included synthetic cannabis, cannabis, crystal methamphetamine, tramadol tablets, codeine-based syrup and mercury.
The Controller of FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu, disclosed the seizures while briefing journalists in Lagos on Thursday.
He said the items were intercepted along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within the unit’s area of responsibility.
“The operation resulted in the seizure of 5,669 parcels and 19 units of synthetic cannabis weighing 3,116.9kg, in addition to other quantities of cannabis and a wrap of crystal methamphetamine,” he said.
“The seizures also included 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of tramadol tablets, 1,200 Hypnox tablets and 97 bottles of syrup,” Aliyu said.
The Customs boss added that officers also intercepted four cylinders of mercury, a chemical used in small-scale artisanal gold mining and subject to international environmental controls.
He said the combined street value of the seized narcotics and mercury was estimated at N3.951 billion.
Aliyu said three suspects arrested in connection with the seizures would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He added that a truck allegedly used to conceal and transport 326 parcels of cannabis was also intercepted, with two suspects linked to the seizure among those to be transferred to the NDLEA.
According to him, the seized narcotics would be handed over to the NDLEA for forensic examination and further legal action.
“The mercury will be handed over to NESREA because of the potential environmental risks associated with the chemical,” Aliyu explained.
He warned that the smuggling of narcotics and hazardous substances posed serious risks to public health, national security and the environment.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Eight Nigerian Soldiers killed as ISWAP landmine hits Army patrol vehicle in Borno
Bauchi Health Agency boss, four children die in Road accident
‘Nigeria cannot become prosperous in four years’ — Tinubu’s Economic Adviser says
2027: Tinubu must be stopped, ‘even Buhari saw him as bad news’ — Hakeem Baba-Ahmed
APC sweeps all 21 chairmanship seats, 239 Councillorship positions in Kogi LG poll
‘₦29,000 Cannot sustain a retired officer’ — Atiku challenges Tinubu on police pensions, proposes initiative
FG ends 17-year blackout in Gombe community with 1MW solar mini-grid
EPL: Leeds hold Man Utd to 1-1 draw as pressure mounts on Carrick
DSS arrests of NYSC kidnappers, Faisal Maina: Why intelligence must take centre stage: by Olufemi Lawson
SSANU halts two-week strike ultimatum after FG’s intervention
Catholic priest dies after Jesus’ statue falls on him during mass in Ecuador (video)
2027: NDC will never step down for Atiku, stop attacking us – Kwankwaso replies ADC Campaign Council
I fear APC’s internal crisis more than Atiku – Shettima
Why Shettima Insults Atiku: by Farooq Kperogi
Messi’s double fires Inter Miami to 3-1 victory over Atlanta United
2027: Step down if you are not working for Tinubu – Deji Adeyanju dares Obi, Kwankwaso
2027: Kwankwaso a goat in sheep’s clothing, secretly working for Tinubu – Atiku Campaign Council
Security forces arrest five suspects over abduction of 20 NYSC members in Imo
33 Governors cannot be wrong in supporting Tinubu – Bayo Onanuga
Opposition will front a single candidate against Tinubu, announcement will be made few days to election – Lukman
2027: ‘I wont join my Uncle to support Tinubu’ – Davido says
DSS arrests Maina’s fugitive son in Abuja, hands him over to EFCC
Veteran Journalist, diplomat Dele Cole dies at 86
Gunmen kill four vigilantes in Plateau community
Tension as traditional ruler collapses, dies in Ondo
Suspended NSCDC commandant apologises over deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger
‘₦29,000 Cannot sustain a retired officer’ — Atiku challenges Tinubu on police pensions, proposes initiative
2027: NDC will never step down for Atiku, stop attacking us – Kwankwaso replies ADC Campaign Council
Ogun hospital under fire as Nurse dies of asthma attack amid alleged oxygen failure
