Customs Seizes 140 Rifles, Cannabis Snacks Worth N374m at TinCan Port

Customs officers also 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.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 140 pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused food products with a combined street value of N373.8 million at the TinCan Island Port in Lagos.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing, saying the seizures followed recent enforcement operations by the TinCan Island Port Command.

Adeniyi said customs officers intercepted a container on July 8 containing concealed knock-down components of pump-action rifles.

He said 140 rifles had so far been assembled from the recovered components, while efforts were ongoing to assemble the remaining parts.

According to him, a principal suspect was arrested on July 31 at a bonded terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container.

The CGC said financial and telecommunications records had linked the suspect to the shipment.

He added that two suspects were currently in custody assisting investigations, while another principal suspect remained at large and was being tracked by security agencies.

Cannabis-Infused Snacks Intercepted

Adeniyi also disclosed the interception of two 40-foot containers carrying cannabis-infused products concealed among imported items, including vehicles, generators, batteries and fabrics.

The seized products included 8,720 Delta-8 cannabis pre-roll cookies weighing 17.44 kilogrammes and valued at N308.7 million.

Customs officers also 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.

The total street value of the cannabis-infused products was put at N373.8 million.

Adeniyi said the products were packaged to resemble ordinary snacks, with flavours including citrus, vanilla, pine and peach pie.

He warned that the deceptive packaging could expose children, students and other unsuspecting consumers to accidental drug consumption.

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

He reaffirmed the NCS's commitment to securing Nigeria's borders and ensuring the prosecution of individuals involved in the trafficking of illicit arms and dangerous drugs.

Adeniyi also acknowledged the collaboration of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and urged members of the public to provide credible intelligence to support anti-smuggling operations.

Receiving the seized products, Augustine Adewunmi, Commander of Narcotics at the NDLEA TinCan Strategic Command, described cannabis-infused cookies, gummies and smoothies as an emerging public safety threat.

Adewunmi said the products, imported from the United States, were marketed as vegan snacks and packaged in flavours such as citrus, vanilla and peach to disguise their contents.

He said the products were deliberately designed to appeal to children, students and clubgoers, heightening the risk of accidental consumption.

The NDLEA commander warned that consuming the products could deliver concentrated cannabis into the body and urged parents, schools and the wider public to remain vigilant.

He confirmed that two suspects were in custody as investigations into the shipment continued.