Lagos, Nigeria - The Tincan Island Command of the Nigerian Customs Service has seized a container of Cannabis Sativa imported from Canada, valued at over ₦3 billion.
The service also intercepted some cartons of cough syrup, highlighting its commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking.
This development comes days after the service announced the seizure of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol, worth ₦106 million in seven days.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Kehinde Ejibunu, revealed that the team intercepted a total of 26,950 litres of petroleum products worth about ₦19 million being smuggled out of the country into the Republic of Benin.
The seized petroleum products, consisting of 978 kegs of 25 litres totalling 26,950 litres, were impounded in Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, covering Lagos and Ogun states within two weeks.
Bashir Adeniyi, the NCS Comptroller-General, established the special squad two weeks ago to step up the fight against criminals smuggling petroleum products out of the country.
Ejibunu emphasized the negative impact of smuggling on the Nigerian economy, stating that "the menace posed by the unpatriotic act of smugglers on the Nigerian economy cannot be overemphasised."
He called for collaboration with other relevant agencies to combat these economic saboteurs.
The petroleum stations involved in the criminal activities have been sealed up, and their owners will face prosecution.
The seized petroleum products will be condemned and auctioned soon due to their inflammable nature. Ejibunu urged those involved in sabotaging the country's economy to desist from their criminal activities or face the consequences.
