The Nigerian Customs Service has made a significant seizure at Onne Port in Rivers State, intercepting a large shipment of arms and drugs.
On Monday, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, revealed that Customs officers had stopped a 40-foot container filled with various types of weapons and nine containers loaded with codeine. Adeniyi explained that the weapons, which included 844 rifles and 12,500 rounds of live ammunition, were smuggled into Nigeria from Turkey.
“We have traced this shipment across continents and received valuable information through our local and international intelligence networks,” Adeniyi said during a press conference at Onne Port.
He explained that the weapons and ammunition were hidden among used clothing items.
Adeniyi detailed the operation: “On June 21, 2024, we conducted a thorough examination of the container and discovered the weapons concealed among furniture, doors, and leather bags. The total value of the container’s contents is N4.17 billion.”
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In addition to the arms, Customs officers also seized nine containers filled with illegal drugs.
“On Saturday, we intercepted a separate 40-foot container from a bonded terminal. Inside, we found 150,000 bottles of codeine cough syrup and 3.5 million tablets of tramadol. The duty paid value of these drugs is N9.6 billion,” Adeniyi said.
Three suspects are now in custody in connection with these seizures. Adeniyi confirmed that the Customs Service obtained a detention warrant from a court to hold the suspects while investigations continue.
Adeniyi emphasized the ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities at the nation’s ports: “Our collaboration with various intelligence agencies has been crucial in uncovering these illegal shipments. We remain committed to protecting the country from such threats.”