Customs Seizes N352 Million Contraband In 2 Months, Hands Over Cannabis To NDLEA In Lagos.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted contraband goods valued at N352 million over the past two months, with significant seizures recorded in Lagos. The haul, announced on Tuesday, includes smuggled rice, petroleum products, and 1,200 kilograms of cannabis, which was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation. The operations targeted border communities and major ports in the southwest.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adewale, commended the officers involved, noting that the seizures reflect the agency’s commitment to curbing smuggling and protecting Nigeria’s economy. He revealed that 45 suspects were arrested in connection with the contraband, with some already facing prosecution. The handover of the cannabis to NDLEA underscores ongoing collaboration between the two agencies to combat drug trafficking.
The seizures come amid heightened efforts to secure Nigeria’s porous borders, where smuggling thrives due to price disparities with neighbouring countries. Critics, however, argue that the NCS’s focus on seizures does little to address the root causes of smuggling, such as unemployment and weak trade policies. The destruction of seized goods, particularly food items, has also sparked controversy, with calls for redistribution to vulnerable populations.
For Lagos, a major hub for illicit goods, the operation signals a tougher stance on smuggling. The NDLEA has promised a thorough probe into the cannabis’s origin and distribution network. As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, the Customs Service’s efforts to safeguard revenue are crucial, but sustainable solutions will require broader reforms to address the incentives driving smuggling.
