MSC Shipping Implicated In Containerized Drugs

…As Tin Can Customs Makes Pre-emptive Inspection, Seizure

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Compt. Nnadi talking to the mic while displaying the substances, sorrounded by his officers and officias of the narcotic agency

The Tin Can Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has linked MSC Shipping Line with a number of drugs laden containers that tacitly avoided documentation, prompting the command operatives to embark on a pre-emptive physical examination, which  led to the seizures of contraband ubstances concealed in three different containers.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni who disclosed above while briefing the press together with officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agents (NDLEA) explained that the 40ft containers ingeniously laden with a total of 684 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 341.025kg with a street value of N682, 050,000.00.

A release by the Command Public Relations Officer, SC Ngozi Okwara quoted the CAC as saying that the command is also putting finishing touches to other offensive items impounded by the command, noting that information those too will be given to the media and publicly displayed as soon as the necessary approval is given.

He said, “This occasion offers us the opportunity to unveil three (3) seizures in Tincan Island Area Command. In the coming weeks, it is our hope and desire to hand over several other containers of similar nature after consultations with Customs Headquarters.

“In the interim, the Command having received actionable intelligence on the suspected importation of illicit dangerous drugs from one of the source countries, intercepted the three containers which we are showcasing today.

“The drugs extracted from the containers are being handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) TCIP, in furtherance of existing interagency collaboration and the MOU signed between the NDLEA and NCS.”

Giving the breakdown of the seizures, Nnadi added that three vehicles are part of the means of conveyance also impounded by the service which he said will undergo further investigation by NDLEA.

On Container Number MSMU 518030/2 (1X40FT), the customs controller said, “A joint 100% physical examination was conducted on 2 Aug 2024 and the examination revealed 77 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 38.5kg. At the time of processing the intelligence, system profiling indicated that a declaration was made on an SGD Number withheld on 30-07-2024, listing three (3) used vehicles.”

Also speaking on the second 40ft container with registration number MSMU 602957/0 he said:

“A joint 100% physical examination was conducted on 8 Aug 2024 and the examination revealed 532 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 265.025kg. At the time of processing the intelligence, no declaration had been entered. The shipping company with respect to the consignment is MSC.

“On the third 40ft container with registration number FSCU 927461/3, a joint 100% physical examination was conducted on 8 Aug 2024 and the examination revealed 75 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 37.5kg. At the time of processing the intelligence, no declaration had been entered. The shipping company with respect to the consignment is MSC.

A representative of the NDLEA speaking during the briefing

“Investigation by the Command and our partner agency the NDLEA is ongoing and the NDLEA will update you on the interdiction, arrest and prosecution.   In furtherance of the synergy between the NDLEA and the NCS, the Command is handing over the contents of the three containers totaling 684 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 341.025kg with a street value of N682, 050,000.00.”

The area customs boss assured that the service will continue to decimate the financial powers of those engaged in the offensive business  by ensuring that no questionable  products passes through the port.

“The Command and indeed the Service will deploy all necessary resources and strategies at our disposal and in collaboration with other security and other regulatory agencies check the menace of illegal importation of illicit and dangerous substances. We are more than committed to deliver on this mandate.”