Customs seizes N3.95bn worth of illicit drugs, mercury in Lagos

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted illicit drugs and mercury worth an estimated N3.95 billion in separate anti-smuggling operations.

The seizures, made over the past three months, included synthetic cannabis, cannabis, crystal methamphetamine, tramadol tablets, codeine-based syrup and mercury.

The Customs Controller of FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Lagos on Thursday.

He said the items were intercepted along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within the unit’s area of responsibility.

“The operation resulted in the seizure of 5,669 parcels and 19 units of synthetic cannabis weighing 3,116.9kg, in addition to other quantities of cannabis and a wrap of crystal methamphetamine,” he said.

“The seizures also included 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of tramadol tablets, 1,200 Hypnox tablets and 97 bottles of syrup,” Aliyu said.

The Customs boss added that officers also intercepted four cylinders of mercury, a chemical used in small-scale artisanal gold mining and subject to international environmental controls.

He said the combined street value of the seized narcotics and mercury was estimated at N3.951 billion.

Aliyu said three suspects arrested in connection with the seizures would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

He added that a truck allegedly used to conceal and transport 326 parcels of cannabis was also intercepted, with two suspects linked to the seizure among those to be transferred to the NDLEA.

According to him, the seized narcotics would be handed over to the NDLEA for forensic examination and further legal action.

“The mercury will be handed over to NESREA because of the potential environmental risks associated with the chemical,” Aliyu explained.

He warned that the smuggling of narcotics and hazardous substances posed serious risks to public health, national security and the environment.