The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 140 pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused food products valued at N373.8 million during enforcement operations at the TinCan Island Port in Lagos.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this on Thursday at a press briefing, where he said the seizures were made by operatives of the TinCan Island Port Command.
Adeniyi said Customs officers intercepted a container on July 8 containing concealed knock-down components of pump-action rifles.
According to him, operatives have so far assembled 140 rifles from the recovered components, while efforts are ongoing to assemble the remaining parts.
He disclosed that a principal suspect was arrested on July 31 at a bonded terminal while allegedly attempting to facilitate the release of the container.
The Customs boss said financial and telecommunications records had linked the suspect to the shipment.
He added that two suspects were currently in custody and assisting investigators, while another principal suspect remained at large and was being tracked by security agencies.
In a separate operation, Adeniyi said Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying cannabis-infused products concealed among imported items, including vehicles, generators, batteries and fabrics.
The seized items, he said, included 8,720 Delta-8 cannabis pre-roll cookies weighing 17.44 kilogrammes and valued at N308.7 million.
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Also recovered were 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.
He put the combined street value of the cannabis-infused products at N373.8 million.
Adeniyi expressed concern over the packaging of the products, saying they were made to resemble ordinary snacks and came in flavours such as citrus, vanilla, pine and peach pie.
He warned that the deceptive packaging could make it possible for unsuspecting consumers, particularly children and young people, to consume the products unknowingly.
The CGC 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 commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and ensuring that individuals involved in the trafficking of illicit arms and dangerous drugs face prosecution.
Adeniyi also commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its collaboration with the Customs Service and urged members of the public to provide credible intelligence to support efforts against smuggling.
Receiving the seized items, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA TinCan Strategic Command, Augustine Adewunmi, 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 with flavours designed to disguise their drug content and attract unsuspecting consumers.
He warned that their appearance and marketing could make them particularly appealing to children, students and clubgoers, thereby increasing the risk of accidental consumption.
The NDLEA commander disclosed that two suspects were in custody while investigations continued.
He urged parents, schools and members of the public to remain vigilant, warning that consuming the products could expose users to concentrated cannabis.