The Nigeria Customs Service at the Tin Can Island Port Command has confiscated illicit drugs worth more than ₦2.5 billion in a major anti-smuggling operation.
According to a statement the command posted on X on Tuesday, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, explained that the discovery was made during a routine check on 6 November at a bonded terminal. A 40-foot container, which had been declared as containing two used vehicles along with household goods, was instead found to be loaded with narcotics.
Onyeka noted that “Although the consignment was declared as containing two used vehicles and household items, a joint examination by Customs Enforcement officers, the CIU, and personnel from the NDLEA, DSS, and Nigeria Police revealed otherwise.”
During the inspection, officers found 500 grams of methamphetamine valued at ₦7.5 million, as well as 49 packages of “Molly” (ecstasy) weighing 105.5 kilogrammes, estimated to be worth about ₦2.5 billion on the street.
He stated further that “The total value of the narcotics stands at ₦2,507,500,000.”
Onyeka described the interception as evidence that criminal groups continue to target Nigeria’s trade corridors, adding a warning: “This seizure sends a strong and clear message to all criminal elements attempting to exploit our ports and border stations: the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to detect, intercept, and dismantle all forms of illicit trade that threaten national security, economic stability, and the well-being of our citizens.”
He also praised Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi and collaborating security agencies for the professionalism that made the operation possible.
In keeping with inter-agency cooperation, the TCIPC transferred the confiscated drugs to NDLEA officials. Upon receiving them, Daniel Onyishi, NDLEA Commander of the Tincan Island Strategic Command, commended the collaboration, saying: “Because of the synergy we are working with, all of us combined, will make sure that no illicit drug passes through this port.”
In a related development, the NCS Federal Operations Unit Zone C disrupted another drug-smuggling effort, seizing 151 wraps of Cannabis Sativa weighing 77.5kg and 15 wraps of Canadian Loud weighing 8.6kg, which were being moved to avoid detection.
The drugs were handed over to the NDLEA at the Unit’s headquarters in Owerri on 14 November. Comptroller Bishir Balogun, who oversaw the operation, credited intelligence and officer alertness for the interception.
Balogun reaffirmed that “The NDLEA remains the competent authority in handling drug-related matters, and we are proud to work in synergy with them to ensure that justice is served and these harmful substances are removed from circulation.”
He restated Customs’ resolve to combat smuggling, support lawful trade, and protect national security, while encouraging the public to aid enforcement by providing useful information about illegal activities.