…hands over to NDLEA
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has announced the interception of illicit drugs concealed in imported motor vehicles within two 40-foot containers, underscoring its commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.
The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, made this known during a press briefing on Friday at the Command Headquarters in Lagos. The operation, which was carried out through intelligence-led efforts and collaboration with other security agencies, led to the seizure of large quantities of narcotic substances concealed in imported vehicles.
According to Onyeka, the first container, identified as HLXU8500072, was intercepted on September 4, 2025. Originating from Montreal, Canada, and covered by Bill of Lading Number HLCUTOR2506000834, the container was found to contain four vehicles with hidden drugs. A joint physical examination by Customs officers and other relevant agencies uncovered 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilogrammes, and 1.2 kilogrammes of hashish oil.
The second container, numbered FANU 312876/9, was intercepted following actionable intelligence on October 24, 2025. It also carried four vehicles, within which officers discovered 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilogrammes and eight packages of crystal methamphetamine (meth) weighing 8 kilogrammes.
The total street value of the seized substances is estimated at ₦5.304 billion, Onyeka revealed.
“In line with inter-agency collaboration and standard operating procedures, I am officially handing over the seized narcotic substances to the NDLEA for further investigation, prosecution, and necessary legal action”, he stated.
He commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security partners for their unwavering support, emphasising that the joint efforts reflect a unified front in the fight against drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.
Onyeka also issued a stern warning to smugglers and criminal networks involved in illicit drug trade, noting that such activities undermine the economy, threaten national security, and endanger public health.
“Let it be known that Tin Can Island Command, under my watch, remains resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising in enforcing the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory”, he said.
He urged legitimate traders to comply strictly with import and export regulations and make honest declarations in their trade documentation.
The Area Controller also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their continuous support, as well as to sister security agencies and the media for their collaborative roles in ensuring transparency and public awareness.
In conclusion, Onyeka reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to strengthen intelligence gathering, deploy advanced technology, and enhance inter-agency cooperation to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders.
“Tin Can Island Port Command will continue to leverage intelligence, technology, and synergy with other agencies to ensure that offenders are brought to justice and our nation remains safe”, he concluded.