Customs Seize 140 Rifles, Cannabis-Infused Snacks Worth N374 Million at Tin Can Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 140 pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused food products with an estimated street value of N373.8 million at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said officers uncovered a container carrying concealed knock-down components of pump-action rifles on July 8. Customs officials have assembled 140 rifles from the recovered parts, while work continues to assemble the remaining components.

According to Adeniyi, one key suspect was arrested on July 31 at a bonded terminal while attempting to clear the container. He said financial and telecommunications evidence linked the suspect to the shipment. Two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators, while another principal suspect is still being tracked by security agencies.

The Customs boss also announced the seizure of two 40-foot containers loaded with cannabis-infused products hidden among imported goods such as vehicles, generators, batteries, and fabrics.

The seized items included:

- 8,720 Delta-8 cannabis pre-roll cookies weighing 17.44kg, valued at N308.7 million.

- 740 packs of cannabis-infused gummies weighing 515.2kg, valued at N40.7 million.

- 873 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies (442 packs) weighing 309.4kg, valued at N24.3 million.

Adeniyi warned that the products were packaged to resemble ordinary snacks, with flavours such as citrus, vanilla, pine, and peach pie, making them particularly attractive to children, students, and other unsuspecting consumers.

He praised the Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, and the enforcement team for their vigilance and professionalism. He also reaffirmed the Customs Service's commitment to combating the trafficking of illegal arms and dangerous drugs while urging Nigerians to provide credible intelligence to support anti-smuggling efforts.

Receiving the seized cannabis products, Augustine Adewunmi, Commander of Narcotics at the NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command, described cannabis-infused cookies, gummies, and similar products as a growing threat to public safety.

He noted that the products, imported from the United States and marketed as vegan snacks, were deliberately packaged to deceive consumers. Adewunmi warned that the items could easily be mistaken for regular food products, increasing the risk of accidental drug consumption, especially among children and young people.

He confirmed that two suspects remain in custody as investigations continue and called on parents, schools, and the public to remain vigilant.