Tincan Customs intercepts rifles, cannabis cookies targeting youths, arrest two suspects
Lagos, Aug. 6, 2026
Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi, on Thursday announced the interception of pump-action rifle and Cannabis – induced cookies cookies smuggled into Nigeria, warning both pose threats to national security and youth health.
Adeniyi spoke at Tincan Island Port during a press briefing on major enforcement operations conducted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) under the TinCan Island Command in Lagos.
He said on July 8, 2026, a container was intercepted carrying concealed knock-down components identified as pump-action rifles, with 140 pieces already assembled and counting still ongoing.
Adeniyi added that one major suspect was arrested on July 31 at a bonded terminal while attempting to facilitate release of the container, with financial and telecom evidence linking him to the shipment.
He disclosed that two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigations, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively pursued by operatives.
“In a separate operation, officers also intercepted two 40-ft containers carrying cannabis-induced products concealed among imported goods, alongside vehicles, generators, batteries and fabric materials,”Adeniyi said.
Adeniyi said the target group includes children, students and youths who may consume them unknowingly in schools, streets and clubs, believing they were regular vegan or hemp-friendly snacks.
He listed seized items to include: “8,720 pieces of Delta-8 cannabis pre-roll cookies weighing 17.44kg, valued at N308.7 million, and 740 packs of gummies weighing 515.2kg valued at N40.7 million.
“Other seizures includes 873 cartons of cannabis-incused cookies in 442 packs weighing 309.4kg valued at N24.3 million, bringing the total street value of drugs to N373.8 million,”he said.
Adeniyi described the packaging as attractive with flavours like citrus, vanilla, pine and peach pie, designed to appeal to young consumers and mask the dangerous contents inside.
He commended the TinCan Island Area Controller, Comptroller Joseph Anani and the enforcement unit officers for diligence and timely response that led to the interception of both the weapons and illicit drugs.
The CGC reaffirmed the service’s resolve to secure Nigeria’s borders and prosecute individuals behind trafficking of illicit weapons and drugs, especially ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Adeniyi commended the officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) , urged Nigerians to provide credible intelligence and assured that customs would continue to facilitate legitimate trade while preventing importation of prohibited and dangerous goods.
NDLEA Commander, Augustine Adewunmi, while receiving the Intercepted items, also raised alarm over cannabis-indused cookies and smoothies smuggled into Nigeria, saying the products target children, students and club users across the country.
Adewunmi stated that the items, sourced from the United States, were packaged as vegan snacks with flavours like citrus, vanilla and peach to deceive unsuspecting youths into consuming dangerous drugs unknowingly.
“Enforcement Unit explained the items were cannabis induced cookies, gummies and pre-rolls packaged to look like ordinary snacks and drinks popular with young people.
He disclosed that two suspects are in custody while investigations continue and urged parents as well as schools to be vigilant, warning that ingestion delivers concentrated cannabis directly into the body.