Customs seizes N3.95bn worth of illicit drugs, mercury in Lagos
Nigeria Customs Seizes Illicit Drugs, Mercury Valued at N3.95 Billion
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has reported the interception of illicit drugs and mercury worth an estimated N3.95 billion in a series of anti-smuggling operations conducted over the past three months.
During a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, Gambo Aliyu, the Customs Controller for FOU Zone A, outlined the results of these operations, which took place along border corridors, highways, and other key locations within the unit’s jurisdiction.
The operations yielded substantial quantities of substances, including 5,669 parcels and 19 units of synthetic cannabis, totaling 3,116.9 kilograms. Additionally, officers confiscated other drugs, including cannabis, crystal methamphetamine, tramadol tablets, and codeine-based syrup.
The seizure also featured 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of tramadol, along with 1,200 Hypnox tablets and 97 bottles of syrup. Furthermore, four cylinders of mercury, a chemical linked to small-scale artisanal gold mining and regulated under international environmental guidelines, were also intercepted.
Aliyu reported that the combined street value of the drugs and mercury was estimated at N3.951 billion. Three suspects connected to the seizures have been apprehended and will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and potential prosecution.
Among the items seized was a truck allegedly used to conceal and transport 326 parcels of cannabis, with two of the suspects linked to this seizure also being referred to the NDLEA.
The Customs Controller confirmed that the illicit drugs would be transferred to the NDLEA for forensic examination and subsequent legal proceedings, while the mercury will be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) due to its potential environmental hazards.
Aliyu emphasized the significant risks posed by the smuggling of narcotics and hazardous materials to public health, national security, and the environment.
