Customs Seizes Drugs and Mercury, Hands Over to Agencies

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has transferred seized narcotics and mercury to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in Ikeja, Lagos. During a press briefing on Thursday, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu stated that the handover reflects the NCS's commitment to national security, public health, environmental safety, and the economic well-being of Nigerians.

The seizures included 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 3,116.9kg, various packs of ground cannabis (Skunk), 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of Tramadol tablets, and 97 bottles of codeine syrup, among others, with an estimated street value of ₦3.951 billion. Three suspects were also handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.

Additionally, four cylinders of high-grade mercury, each weighing 34.5kg, were intercepted and handed over to NESREA due to their environmental hazards. Aliyu emphasized the need for collaboration among agencies to combat trans-border crime effectively.