Nigeria Customs Intercepts ₦5.3 Billion Worth of Illicit Drugs Concealed in Imported Vehicles at Tin Can Island Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has announced a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against drug trafficking, following the interception of two containers laden with motor vehicles used to conceal illicit drugs valued at over ₦5.3 billion.

According to a detailed statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC OE Ivara, and made available to journalists on Friday, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, described the operation as a reflection of the Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime borders and promoting legitimate trade in line with global standards.

₦5.3 Billion Drug Haul Exposed

Akahi News gathered that the first container, with identification number HLXU8500072 and Bill of Lading Number HLCUTOR2506000834, originated from Montreal, Canada, and was intercepted on 4 September 2025 through actionable intelligence and coordinated enforcement operations.

Upon physical examination, which was jointly carried out with other relevant agencies, the container was found to contain four vehicles concealing 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a potent strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, alongside 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil.

Similarly, the second container, numbered FANU 312876/9, was intercepted on 24 October 2025 after intelligence tip-offs led to its scrutiny. It also contained four motor vehicles within which were hidden 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms and eight packages of Crystal Methamphetamine weighing eight kilograms.

The total street value of all seized narcotics was estimated at ₦5.304 billion, underscoring the scale of the criminal operation and the potential damage it could have inflicted on public health and national security if not intercepted.

Collaboration Between Customs and NDLEA

In line with established inter-agency cooperation protocols, the seized narcotic substances have been formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation, prosecution, and other legal actions.

Comptroller Onyeka commended the NDLEA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, and other security partners for their consistent collaboration with the Customs Service in fighting drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

“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,” Onyeka declared during the press briefing.

He also warned individuals and syndicates involved in the smuggling of illicit drugs to desist immediately, stressing that such actions threaten the country’s economy, endanger lives, and weaken societal foundations.

Recognition for Customs Officers and Ongoing Reforms

Comptroller Onyeka expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership and support, noting that the Command’s successes were a result of ongoing reforms, technological innovation, and intelligence-driven enforcement.

He equally commended officers and men of the Tin Can Island Port Command for their professionalism, integrity, and resilience in the face of increasing smuggling sophistication.

Akahi News learnt that the Controller reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to intensify surveillance and leverage data analytics, inter-agency intelligence sharing, and capacity building to strengthen port security and boost Nigeria’s image in international trade.

NDLEA Reacts: “A Testament to Effective Collaboration”

Receiving the seized items, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command, Commander Daniel Onyishi, lauded the Customs Service for its vigilance and operational excellence, describing the seizure as a product of strong synergy between both agencies.

According to Onyishi, the NDLEA remains firmly committed to ensuring that all seized substances undergo proper investigation and legal disposal in compliance with due process.

He further emphasised the Agency’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the Customs Service and other security outfits, noting that a united front remains critical in achieving a drug-free Nigeria.

A Warning and a Call for Vigilance

Observers believe that this latest interception sends a strong message to smugglers and their international collaborators that Nigeria’s enforcement agencies are better equipped and more coordinated than ever.

Akahi News also gathered that the Customs Command will continue to strengthen partnerships with both public and private stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s ports are not used as conduits for criminal operations.

As the nation grapples with the rising threat of narcotics smuggling, the joint efforts of the NCS and NDLEA reflect a positive sign that with consistency, intelligence, and integrity, Nigeria can effectively safeguard its borders and reputation in global trade.

Thanks.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org