Ime Akpan
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has impounded two containers laden with motor vehicles used to conceal significant quantities of illicit drugs worth N5.3bn.
The command disclosed this at a press briefing held at its headquarters late Friday
The customs area controller, Tin Can Island Port Command, Mr Frank Onyeka, said the seizure was a testament to the Command’s resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and ensure compliance with international trade regulations.
He stated that, the first container, marked HLXU8500072 and bill of lading number HLCUTOR2506000834, originating from Montreal, Canada, was intercepted on September 4, 2025 through meticulous intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts.
Upon 100 per cent physical examination, jointly conducted with other relevant agencies, the container was found to contain four vehicles with concealed quantities of 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil.
The second container, marked FANU 312876/9, was intercepted on October 24, 2025, following actionable intelligence provided by the Customs Area Controller.
The container, according to Onyeka, also carrying four vehicles, was found to have concealed 2,081 packages of cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilogrammes and eight packages of crystal methamphetamine (“Meth”) weighing 8 kilogrammes.
He put the total street value of the illicit drugs seized from both operations at ₦5.304 billion.
In line with established inter-agency collaboration protocols, Onyeka said the seized drugs had been formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation, prosecution and other necessary legal actions.
He commended the NDLEA and other partner security agencies—including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders—for their continued collaboration in combating drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.
Onyeka said illicit drug smuggling undermines the nation’s economy and pose grave risks to national security and public health.
“Let it be known that Tin Can Island Port Command…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 added.
He further urged legitimate importers and exporters to adhere strictly to trade regulations and ensure accurate declarations in all documentation.
Receiving the seized items, the commander of narcotics at the NDLEA Tincan Strategic Command, Mr Daniel Onyishi, commended the NCS for its vigilance and commitment in intercepting the illicit drugs.
He noted that the handover reflects the strong spirit of collaboration between both agencies in safeguarding the nation against the menace of drug trafficking.
Onyishi emphasised that the NDLEA remains resolute in carrying out its mandate to ensure that all seized substances are thoroughly investigated and disposed of in accordance with established legal procedures.
