The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, has intercepted illicit drugs and mercury estimated at N3.95 billion during a series of anti-smuggling operations in Lagos.
The seizures were made over a three-month period along border routes, highways and other strategic locations within the unit’s area of responsibility.
The Customs Controller of FOU Zone A, Gambo Aliyu, disclosed the development while briefing journalists in Lagos on Thursday.
According to him, the seized items included synthetic cannabis, cannabis, crystal methamphetamine, tramadol tablets, codeine-based syrup and mercury.
He said officers recovered 5,669 parcels and 19 units of synthetic cannabis weighing 3,116.9kg, alongside other quantities of cannabis and a wrap of crystal methamphetamine.
The operation also led to the seizure of 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of tramadol tablets, 1,200 Hypnox tablets and 97 bottles of syrup.
Aliyu further disclosed that four cylinders of mercury were intercepted. He explained that mercury is used in small-scale artisanal gold mining and is subject to international environmental controls.
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The total street value of the seized narcotics and mercury was put at N3.951 billion.
Three suspects arrested in connection with the seizures are expected to be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Customs officers also intercepted a truck allegedly used to conceal and transport 326 parcels of cannabis. Two suspects linked to the seizure will also be transferred to the NDLEA.
Aliyu said the seized narcotics would be handed over to the NDLEA for forensic examination and further legal proceedings, while the mercury would be transferred to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
He warned that the smuggling of narcotics and hazardous substances posed serious threats to public health, national security and the environment.
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