The Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Port Command, has intercepted two containers used to conceal illicit drugs worth ₦5.3 billion within imported motor vehicles.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC OE Ivara, disclosed this in a Friday statement, quoting the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, who described the seizures as proof of the Command’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders and ensuring compliance with trade regulations.
According to Onyeka, the first container, numbered HLXU8500072 with Bill of Lading Number HLCUTOR2506000834, originated from Montreal, Canada, and was intercepted on September 4, 2025, through intelligence-led operations. A joint physical examination by Customs and other agencies revealed four vehicles containing 156 packets of Colorado Indica, a strain of cannabis weighing 78 kilograms, along with 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil.
The second container, numbered FANU 312876/9, was intercepted on October 24, 2025, following actionable intelligence provided by the Area Controller. It contained four vehicles concealing 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms and eight packages of Crystal Methamphetamine weighing eight kilograms. The total street value of the drugs from both operations was estimated at ₦5.304 billion.
In accordance with inter-agency protocols, the seized narcotics were formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution. Comptroller Onyeka commended the NDLEA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, and other stakeholders for their continued collaboration in tackling drug trafficking and transnational crimes. He warned that the Command would remain uncompromising in enforcing national and international laws, stressing that drug smuggling poses grave risks to the economy, security, and public health.
“Let it be known that Tin Can Island Port Command, under my watch, remains resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising in enforcing the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory,” he stated. Onyeka urged legitimate importers and exporters to comply strictly with trade regulations and make accurate declarations.
The Controller also appreciated the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their support, the media for promoting compliance and patriotism, and his officers for their professionalism and dedication. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to leveraging intelligence, technology, and inter-agency cooperation to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders and bring offenders to justice.
Receiving the seized items, Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command, Daniel Onyishi, praised the Customs Service for its vigilance and collaboration. He said the handover demonstrated the strong synergy between both agencies in combating drug trafficking and pledged that the NDLEA would ensure proper investigation and disposal of the substances in line with legal procedures. Onyishi reaffirmed the NDLEA’s readiness to strengthen partnerships with Customs and other security agencies toward achieving a drug-free Nigeria.
