Customs Intercepts Containers Loaded With Arms, Illicit Drugs Worth N13.9bn In Rivers

The Nigeria Customs Service intercepted nine containers at Onne port in Rivers State containing a total of 844 assorted guns, 112,500 live ammunition rounds, illicit drugs, and used clothes valued at over N13.9 billion. Speaking at a briefing in Port Harcourt, Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi disclosed that the containers, originating from Turkey, concealed firearms among items like doors, furniture, and plumbing fittings.

Adeniyi highlighted the collaborative effort with intelligence agencies that led to the discovery and subsequent arrest of three suspects involved. He detailed the contents of one container which included various types of rifles and ammunition, stressing their duty-paid value at N4.17 billion.

Additionally, Adeniyi reported the interception of eight more containers destined for a bonded warehouse, containing one million bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine, Tramadol Benzhexol Tablets, and used clothes, valued at N9.6 billion and N144 million respectively.

He affirmed that seized items would be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for investigation and prosecution, emphasizing stringent penalties for any Customs officers found complicit in illegal activities. Adeniyi commended the diligence of Customs officials involved in the operation and underscored their commitment to safeguarding national security and economic integrity.