In a major anti-smuggling breakthrough, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin-Can Island Port Command, has intercepted two containers loaded with vehicles used to conceal large quantities of illicit drugs valued at over ₦5.3 billion.
The announcement was made during a press briefing at the Command headquarters in Lagos on Friday, October 24, 2025. The disclosure was contained in a statement signed by CSC O.E. Ivara, Public Relations Officer, Tin-Can Island Port Command.
Speaking at the briefing, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, said the seizures underscore the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime borders and upholding international trade standards.
According to him, the first container, with number HLXU8500072 and Bill of Lading No. HLCUTOR2506000834, originated from Montreal, Canada, and was intercepted on September 4, 2025, through precise intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts.
A joint 100% physical examination by Customs and partner agencies uncovered four vehicles concealing 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a potent strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil.
The second container, numbered FANU312876/9, was seized on October 24, 2025, following actionable intelligence from the Command. Inside the container also loaded with four vehicles, officers discovered 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms, and eight (8) packages of Crystal Methamphetamine (Meth) weighing 8 kilograms.
The total street value of the seized drugs is estimated at ₦5.304 billion.
In accordance with inter-agency collaboration protocols, the seized narcotics have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for detailed investigation and prosecution.
Comptroller Onyeka commended the NDLEA and other partner security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, and other stakeholders for their ongoing cooperation in tackling drug trafficking and transnational crimes.
He warned criminal networks attempting to use the nation’s ports for illicit activities to desist, stressing that such actions undermine the economy, threaten national security, and endanger 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,” Comptroller Frank Onyeka said.
The Area Controller urged legitimate importers and exporters to maintain full compliance with trade regulations and ensure accurate declarations in all shipping documentation.
He also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his continuous leadership and support, and to the media for their role in promoting public awareness, transparency, and patriotism.
Receiving the seized drugs, Commander Daniel Onyishi, the NDLEA Commander of Narcotics, Tin-Can Island Strategic Command, applauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its proactive intelligence and commitment to national security.
He emphasized that the handover demonstrated the strong synergy between the NDLEA and the Customs Service in combating drug smuggling and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.
“The NDLEA remains resolute in ensuring that all seized substances are thoroughly investigated and disposed of in accordance with the law. Our collaboration with Customs and other security agencies will continue to grow stronger as we work toward a drug-free Nigeria,” Commander Daniel Onyishi added.
Comptroller Onyeka concluded by commending the gallant officers and men of the Tin-Can Island Port Command 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, prevent smuggling, and safeguard public safety.