Officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have announced that they successfully intercepted 140 pump-action guns and food items that were mixed with cannabis, with a total value of ₦373.8 million at the TinCan Port in Lagos.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, stated that parts of the guns were discovered hidden inside a container. So far, 140 of the guns have been assembled, and work is still ongoing to assemble the remaining parts.
The officer further said that following the incident, two prominent individuals who are strongly suspected were arrested, while security agencies are still searching for another person who is on the run.
Adeniyi said customs officers also seized two large container trucks carrying biscuits, sweets, and other snacks that were laced with cannabis and hidden in imported vehicles. Also found in the vehicles were: generators, batteries, and textiles.
However, the senior officer confirmed that the items were packaged in a style that mimics regular everyday snacks to distract children and young people. This could lead people to eat the items without realizing they contain illegal drugs. He went on to say: The NDLEA has taken custody of the seized items and stated that this kind of product is a new and major threat to public health. The agency also called on parents and schools to be extra vigilant about such products.