By Peace Udugba
The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 4,729 kilograms of Cannabis Indica valued at ₦18.9 billion, concealed inside two used vehicles imported from Canada.
The Command’s Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed this on Thursday while displaying the seized drugs to journalists at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. He said the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence and sustained collaboration with officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Tin Can Island Port Strategic Command.
According to Onyeka, the container, identified as No. HAMU429966/1, was flagged following intelligence reports and subjected to a 100 per cent physical examination. Although the consignment was declared to contain only used vehicles, officers uncovered 185 jumbo bags of Cannabis Indica hidden alongside a used 2010 Toyota Camry and a used 2023 Chevrolet Colorado.
Further examination revealed that the illicit drugs comprised 9,458 packages weighing a total of 4,729 kilograms, with an estimated street value of ₦18,916,000,000.
Onyeka said the seizure highlights the vigilance, professionalism and dedication of Customs officers, as well as the growing strength of inter-agency collaboration in tackling drug trafficking and organised crime.
He formally handed over the consignment to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
The Customs boss noted that the interception came shortly after a strategic agreement signed between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA on April 27, 2026, in Abuja, aimed at enhancing intelligence sharing, coordinated operations and stronger collaboration against narcotics smuggling.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for strengthening operational capacity and fostering partnerships among security agencies.
Onyeka further appreciated the NDLEA, port operators, other security agencies and the media for their continued support in safeguarding the nation’s borders and ports. He warned smugglers and criminal networks that authorities remain resolute in detecting, intercepting and prosecuting all forms of illegal trade.
“There will be no safe haven for economic saboteurs. We reaffirm our dedication to protecting Nigeria’s economy, safeguarding public health, and ensuring national security,” he said.
Receiving the seized drugs, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command, Omotoso Solomon, attributed the successful operation to strong collaboration among security agencies and proactive leadership within the Tin Can Customs Command.
He added that the seizure was intelligence-driven, involving careful analysis before Customs officers executed a coordinated joint operation.
