Customs Seize N374m Worth of Rifles and Cannabis Snacks

The Nigeria Customs Service intercepted 140 pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused food products valued at N373.8 million at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, announced the seizure during a news conference on Thursday, detailing that customs operatives intercepted a container on July 8, which contained concealed components for the rifles.

As of now, 140 rifles have been assembled from the recovered parts, with assembly of remaining components ongoing. A principal suspect was arrested on July 31 at a bonded terminal while attempting to facilitate the container's release, with financial and telecommunications evidence linking him to the shipment.

Additionally, customs officers seized two containers with cannabis-infused products disguised among other goods. The drugs included 8,720 pieces of Delta-8 cannabis pre-roll cookies, 740 packs of cannabis-infused gummies, and 873 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies, totaling a street value of N373.8 million.

Adeniyi warned about the deceptive packaging of these products, which could appeal to children and young people. He commended the efforts of the TinCan Island Port Command and urged public cooperation in anti-smuggling operations.