Customs intercepts ₦29.4bn cocaine shipment in Lagos

By Aisha Cole

The Customs Area Controller, Ports and Terminal Multi-Service Ltd., Joe Anani on Tuesday handed over a container of intercepted cocaine, valued at N29.4billion to officials National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Lagos.

Joe Anani, told journalists during a media briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Lagos that the the cocaine shipment valued at ₦29.4 billion was intercepted following a report from the PTML terminal operator.

Anani said the suspicious package was discovered suspicious in one of the 39 empty containers meant for export loading.

He stated that the 20-foot container, numbered GCNU1332851 and brought in from Freetown, Sierra Leone, was flagged during a routine disinfection exercise on Oct. 7.

According to him, once the terminal operator alerted the command, a joint examination was conducted with officers from NDLEA, DSS, Police Anti-Bomb Squad, and other agencies.

He explained that 50 packages containing 20 parcels each were uncovered during the inspection, and rapid tests confirmed the contents as cocaine.

According to Anani, the cocaine weighed a total of 1,000 kilogrammes, equivalent to one tonne, with a duty-paid value of ₦29.4 billion.

He clarified that the container did not arrive Nigeria as an import consignment but was among empty containers brought in by the terminal operator for export purposes.

“This incident is one of the most mysterious cocaine interceptions in the history of the Service,” Anani said.

He added that no arrest had been made since the container had no known consignee linked to it at the time of discovery.

Anani commended the PTML terminal operator for promptly reporting the anomaly and praised the cooperation among security agencies involved in the operation.

“This seizure highlights the high level of vigilance and collaboration among our officers, terminal operators, and sister security agencies.

“The command remains committed to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s ports and ensuring PTML stays a no-go area for prohibited imports and exports,” he said.

He said that on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, the seizure would be handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.

The historic seizure, jointly handled by Customs and NDLEA officials, further strengthens synergy between port stakeholders in tackling illicit trade.

It also reinforces efforts aimed at securing Nigeria’s maritime borders and upholding international standards in port operations, according to the report. (NAN)