Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi psc Hands Over Seized Container Laden With 400kg Of Suspected Cannabis Sativa To NDLEA At Lekki Deep Sea Port

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By Asuquo Nuwak

Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi psc Hands Over Seized Container Laden With 400kg Of Suspected Cannabis Sativa To NDLEA At Lekki Deep Sea Port

The officers of the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command of Nigeria Customs Service, acting on credible and actionable intelligence intercepted a suspicious container with registration PRSU1562064, which had arrived at Lekki Deep Sea Port, and was destined for a Bonded Terminal outside the command.

Accordingly, this occasion underscores unwavering resolve of the command to safeguard the nation’s borders, protect public health and security, and ensure that our ports and trade corridors are never exploited as gateways for illicit substances and other prohibited goods.

Official report from the command said the container was scheduled for onward movement through the waterways by barge under the customs transire procedure.

However, in recognizing the potential security implications and the risks associated with allowing a suspicious consignment to leave the port environment, the command took the proactive decision to step down the container for further scrutiny.

In line with established Customs procedures and the intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, the container was subjected to non-intrusive inspection through scanning.

Additionally, the scanning report revealed anomalies that necessitated a comprehensive physical examination.

Consequently, a joint examination was conducted at Lekki Freeport Terminal by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Beyond all these, during the examination, seven pallets of packaged goods were discovered. Upon opening and thoroughly examining the pallets, officers uncovered substances suspected to be illicit narcotics, ingeniously concealed among reams of A4 printing paper in an apparent attempt to evade customs detection.

Still, the comprehensive examination revealed 400 packages of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, commonly referred to as “Loud,” with a total weight of 400 kilograms, in addition to 798 reams of A4 printing paper, strategically deployed as concealment materials to disguise the illicit consignment.

Accordingly, the seized substances have an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦2,262,960,000.00 billion.

Official report said following the discovery, a detailed report of the interception and examination was subsequently forwarded to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The report said upon consideration of the report, approval was granted for the formal handover of the seized container and its contents to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, being the statutory agency responsible for further investigation and necessary action in accordance with extant laws and established procedures.

According to the report, this interception is not merely about the seizure of 400 kilograms of suspected illicit drugs valued at over ₦2.26 billion, but It also represents a significant victory for public safety, national security and the collective determination of the security agencies to protect Nigerian society from the devastating consequences of drug trafficking and abuse.

Aside from this, the destructive impact of illicit drugs on our communities, particularly among young people, cannot be overstated. Beyond their devastating health implications, illicit drugs contribute to addiction, organized crime, insecurity, family disintegration and the erosion of the nation’s productive human capital.

The Acting Customs Area Controller is quoted as saying that: “Every successful interception of this nature is therefore a meaningful intervention in safeguarding lives, preserving communities and protecting the future of our nation”.

In the words of Deputy Comptrolller Olufemi Kukoyi: “It is equally important to emphasize that this operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement, modern customs technology and sustained inter-agency collaboration. The successful detection of this consignment before its onward movement from Lekki Port further reinforces the strategic importance of proactive risk management and coordinated border security operations”.

He used the opportunity to commend the vigilance, professionalism and dedication of the officers, as well as the invaluable cooperation of the NDLEA Lekki Port Command and other sister agencies like DSS, NAFDAC and the management of Lekki Freeport Terminal throughout this operation.

He added that this achievement is a practical demonstration of what can be accomplished when government agencies work together with a common purpose, share intelligence and place national interest above institutional boundaries.

He particularly acknowledged the visionary leadership and unwavering support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR dsm fnipr fniia PhD psc(+) whose policy thrust on consolidation, collaboration and innovation continues to strengthen the operational capacity of the Nigeria Customs Service in the areas of trade facilitation, revenue generation and enforcement.

DC Kukoyi further stated that under his leadership, the Service remains resolute in deploying intelligence, technology and strategic partnerships to combat illicit trade without compromising the seamless movement of legitimate goods.

He said as the Acting Customs Area Controller of Lagos Free Trade Zone Command, he wish to state unequivocally that their commitment to facilitating legitimate trade must never be misconstrued as tolerance for illegality.

DC Olufemi Kukoyi is quoted as stating that: “We will continue to provide an enabling environment for compliant businesses, investors and port operators, while maintaining zero tolerance for smuggling, drug trafficking and all forms of economic sabotage.

He gave warning to individuals and criminal networks who may contemplate exploiting the ports, Free Trade Zones and transit corridors for unlawful activities, stressing that their message is clear, as the Nigeria Customs Service remains vigilant, with active intelligence network and unwavering enforcement resolve.

In compliance with the directive of the Customs Headquarters and in recognition of the statutory responsibilities of the NDLEA, he formally handed over the seized container containing 400 kilograms of suspected Cannabis Sativa found therein, to the Agency for further investigation and appropriate action.

DC Kukoyi is further quoted as saying that: “We are confident that this handover will further strengthen the existing operational synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA in our collective fight against illicit drug trafficking”.

The Acting Customs Area Controller, who reiterated that the security of the nation is a shared responsibility, also called on port operators, shipping companies, clearing agents, importers and members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information.

In the words of Deputy Comptrolller Olufemi Kukoyi: “Our ports must remain gateways to economic prosperity, not corridors for criminality. Our trade routes must facilitate legitimate commerce, not the trafficking of substances that destroy lives and undermine national security”.

At the end, he said through vigilance, togetherness, intelligence and sustained collaboration, the command shall continue to protect the society, secure the borders and advance the economic interests of our great nation.