Nigeria Customs Seizes N3.951bn in Illicit Goods

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, seized illicit goods valued at N3.951 billion, primarily consisting of psychotropic substances and four high-grade mercury cylinders. During a formal handover in Lagos, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu stated that the illicit movement of substances like cannabis sativa poses significant threats to public health and national security.

The seizure included 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks of synthetic cannabis weighing 3,116.9 kg, along with various other cannabis products and narcotics such as Tramadol and Codeine Syrup. These items were transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.

Additionally, four mercury cylinders, each weighing 34.5 kg and linked to illegal gold mining, were handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) due to their environmental hazards. Aliyu reaffirmed the NCS's commitment to disrupting narcotics trafficking and supporting law enforcement efforts.