The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, says it has intercepted 3.4 tonnes of cannabis and 23,220 machetes in four weeks.

The unit’s acting comptroller, Oladapo Afeni, said at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos that the unit recorded 195 seizures of prohibited and restricted goods, with a total duty paid value (DPV) of N6.19 billion during the period.

Mr Afeni said the seizures included 5,986 parcels of cannabis sativa and indica, weighing 3,407.83 kilogrammes.

He expressed concern over the increasing availability of potent cannabis varieties and their potential impact on young Nigerians.

Citing the 2025 World Drug Report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), he said cannabis remains the most widely available and consumed illicit drug globally, accounting for an estimated 42 per cent of drug use disorder cases.

He said the interception was part of efforts to protect public health and prevent the circulation of illicit drugs.

The customs chief also expressed concern over the seizure of 23,220 new machetes allegedly smuggled into the country without the required certificates and permits.

He warned that the items could be used by criminal elements to disrupt peaceful elections in the coming months.

Other seizures included 4,334 bags of imported rice, 173 cartons of frozen poultry products, 6,949 cartons of spaghetti, 459 bales and 39 jumbo sacks of second-hand clothing, 1,236 used tyres, 21 foreign-used vehicles and 8,025 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The unit also intercepted 1,250 rounds of 12-calibre cartridges, 250 cartons of unregistered Lotus sardines, 101 bags of imported sugar, 20 cartons of couscous and eight live pangolins.

Mr Afeni added that the seizures included 400 grammes of cocaine, 100 grammes of methamphetamine, 57 cartons, 37 packs, and six pieces of codeine syrup.

Other items recovered were 33 used vehicle rims, 20 cartons of imported creamer powdered milk, 12 bags of grain oat products, eight bags of imported powdered milk, 2,760 knocked-down office chairs and 11 means of conveyance.

He said that the unit also generated N683.66 million through compliance checks, scrutiny of import declarations, detection of under-valuations, and issuance of demand notices between Sept. 30 and Nov. 3, 2026.

Mr Afeni attributed the achievements to improved intelligence gathering, risk-based examination, enhanced surveillance, and collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies.

He listed the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Force, State Security Service (SSS), the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Army, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) among its enforcement partners.

He said the seized narcotics and suspects would be handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution, while other prohibited items would be transferred to relevant agencies.

The acting comptroller assured legitimate importers and licensed customs agents of the unit’s commitment to facilitating lawful trade.

He warned that attempts to evade duties, falsify declarations, or undermine national security would not be tolerated.

Mr Afeni pledged that the unit would sustain intelligence-led operations to dismantle smuggling networks, protect government revenue, safeguard local industries, and strengthen national security.

He commended the comptroller-general of customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him and urged officers to remain committed to combating economic sabotage.

(NAN)