The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has seized two containers of motor vehicles used to conceal illicit drugs valued at ₦5.3 billion.
In a statement released on Friday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC O.E. Ivara, disclosed that the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, made the announcement while addressing journalists. He described the seizures as proof of the Command’s firm commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and upholding international trade regulations.
Comptroller Onyeka explained that the first container—numbered HLXU8500072 with Bill of Lading HLCUTOR2506000834—arrived from Montreal, Canada, and was intercepted on 4 September 2025 following intelligence-led operations.
A joint physical examination with relevant agencies revealed four vehicles concealing 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilogrammes, and 1.2 kilogrammes of hashish oil.
The second container, numbered FANU312876/9, was seized on 24 October 2025 based on actionable intelligence. It also contained four vehicles hiding 2,081 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilogrammes and eight packages of crystal methamphetamine weighing eight kilogrammes.
The total street value of the seized narcotics is estimated at ₦5.304 billion.
In line with inter-agency protocols, the Customs Service has handed the seized drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
Comptroller Onyeka praised the NDLEA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, and other partner agencies for their continued cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and transnational crime. He warned individuals and groups involved in smuggling that such activities damage the economy and endanger national security and 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,” Onyeka declared.
He urged legitimate importers and exporters to comply strictly with trade regulations and ensure accurate documentation. The Controller also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his support, and to the media for promoting public awareness on compliance and patriotism.
Onyeka further commended the officers and men of the Tin Can Island Port Command for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming the Command’s resolve to use intelligence, technology, and collaboration to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders and bring offenders to justice.
Receiving the seized items, NDLEA Commander of Narcotics, Tin Can Strategic Command, Commander Daniel Onyishi, lauded the NCS for its vigilance and commitment. He said the handover demonstrated the strong collaboration between the two agencies in protecting the country from drug trafficking.
Commander Onyishi reiterated that the NDLEA remains committed to investigating and disposing of all seized substances in line with legal procedures, and reaffirmed the Agency’s determination to strengthen partnerships with the NCS and other security bodies to achieve a drug-free Nigeria.
