The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 140 pump-action rifles and a large consignment of cannabis-infused food products with a combined street value of N373.8 million at the TinCan Island Port in Lagos. Authorities say one key suspect is still on the run.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed the seizures on Thursday during a press briefing, describing them as part of recent enforcement operations carried out by the TinCan Island Port Command.
According to him, customs officers intercepted a container on July 8 containing concealed knock-down parts of pump-action rifles. The recovered components have so far been assembled into 140 rifles, while work is ongoing to assemble the remaining parts.
Adeniyi said a principal suspect was arrested on July 31 at a bonded terminal while attempting to clear the container. Investigations, including financial and telecommunications records, reportedly linked him to the illegal shipment.
He added that two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators, while another key suspect remains at large and is being tracked by security agencies.
In a separate operation, customs officers intercepted 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 and valued at N308.7 million, 740 packs of cannabis-infused gummies weighing 515.2kg worth N40.7 million, and 873 cartons containing 442 packs of cannabis-infused cookies weighing 309.4kg with an estimated value of N24.3 million.
The Customs Service said the total street value of the cannabis-laced products is N373.8 million.
Adeniyi warned that the products were packaged to look like ordinary snacks, with flavours such as citrus, vanilla, pine and peach pie, making them especially appealing to children, students and young people.
He cautioned that the deceptive packaging could expose unsuspecting consumers to accidental drug use.
The Customs boss commended the Area Controller of the TinCan Island Port Command, Joseph Anani, and members of the enforcement unit for their vigilance and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring those behind the trafficking of illegal arms and dangerous drugs are brought to justice.
Adeniyi also praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its collaboration and urged Nigerians to continue providing credible intelligence to support anti-smuggling efforts.
Receiving the seized items on behalf of the NDLEA, the Commander of Narcotics at the TinCan Strategic Command, Augustine Adewunmi, described cannabis-infused cookies, gummies and similar products as an emerging threat to public safety.
He explained that the products, imported from the United States, were deliberately marketed as vegan snacks with attractive flavours to deceive unsuspecting consumers.
According to him, the products are designed to appeal to children, students and clubgoers, increasing the risk of accidental drug consumption.
Adewunmi confirmed that two suspects remain in custody while investigations continue and urged parents, schools and the public to remain vigilant against the growing circulation of drug-laced food products.
