(Customs. Photo by Daily Post)
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service has confirmed the arrest of two suspects connected to the interception of pump-action rifles concealed within a shipment at TinCan Island Port, Lagos.
He disclosed the development during a press briefing highlighting recent enforcement operations conducted by the port command.
The Customs boss also announced the seizure of cannabis-infused food products smuggled into the country through the same port, cautioning that these items present substantial risks to public health and national security.
According to the official, operatives intercepted a container on July 8 containing concealed knock-down components of pump-action w3apons.
He revealed that 140 rifles had already been assembled from recovered parts, with assembly work continuing on remaining components.
One principal suspect was apprehended on July 31 at a bonded terminal while allegedly attempting to facilitate the container’s clearance. Financial and telecommunications records obtained during investigation reportedly linked the suspect to the shipment.
Two suspects currently remain in custody assisting investigators, while another key suspect remains at large and is being pursued by security agencies.
In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers loaded with cannabis-infused products concealed among imported goods including vehicles, generators, batteries, and fabrics.
The seized items comprised 8,720 Delta-8 cannabis pre-roll cookies weighing approximately 17.44 kilogrammes, valued at roughly ₦308.7 million.
Officers also recovered 740 packs of cannabis-infused gummies weighing 515.2 kilogrammes valued at ₦40.7 million, alongside 873 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies packaged in 442 packs weighing 309.4 kilogrammes with an estimated value of ₦24.3 million.
The combined street value of confiscated products totals approximately ₦373.8 million.
The Customs chief explained that the products were deliberately packaged to resemble ordinary snacks, available in flavours such as citrus, vanilla, pine, and peach pie, making them particularly appealing to children, students, and young people.
He warned that unsuspecting consumers risk unknowingly ingesting these products due to their deceptive packaging.
The Customs boss commended the Area Controller of TinCan Island Port Command and enforcement unit officers for their vigilance and professionalism, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to protecting national borders and ensuring those involved in arms and drug tr@fficking face justice.
He also praised continued collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and appealed to Nigerians to provide credible intelligence supporting anti-smuggling efforts.
Receiving the seized exhibits, the NDLEA Commander of Narcotics for the TinCan Strategic Command described cannabis-infused cookies, gummies, and smoothies as an emerging threat to public safety.
He noted that the products, imported from the United States, were deliberately marketed as vegan snacks in deceptive flavours to mislead consumers, designed specifically to appeal to children, students, and nightclub patrons, thereby heightening risks of accidental cannabis consumption.
The commander confirmed two suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, urging parents, schools, and the public to remain vigilant given that these products deliver concentrated cannabis directly into the body.