Tin Can Customs Intercepts Illicit Drugs Worth N5.3 Billion Concealed in Imported Vehicles
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has intercepted two containers laden with imported vehicles used to conceal large quantities of illicit drugs valued at N5.3 billion.
The Command made the announcement during a press briefing held at its headquarters on Friday, 24 October 2025.
Addressing journalists, the Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, described the seizure as a major breakthrough in the Command’s ongoing efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and enforce compliance with international trade regulations.
According to the Controller, the first container – numbered HLXU8500072 with Bill of Lading Number HLCUTOR2506000834 – originated from Montreal, Canada, and was intercepted on 4 September 2025 through a combination of intelligence gathering and coordinated enforcement efforts.
Upon a joint 100 per cent physical examination conducted with relevant security agencies, the container was found to contain four motor vehicles concealing 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a potent strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, along with 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil.
The second container, identified as FANU312876/9, was intercepted on 24 October 2025 following actionable intelligence provided by the Command.
Similar to the first, it carried four vehicles but was found to contain 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms and eight packages of Crystal Methamphetamine (“Meth”) weighing 8 kilograms.
Comptroller Onyeka disclosed that the total street value of the seized narcotics stood at N5.304 billion, underscoring the economic and social dangers such contraband poses to national security and public health.
“In line with inter-agency collaboration protocols, all the seized narcotic substances have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation, prosecution, and other necessary legal actions,” Onyeka stated.
He commended the NDLEA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, and other security stakeholders for their sustained collaboration in combating the scourge of drug trafficking.
The Controller also issued a stern warning to individuals and groups engaged in such illicit activities, stressing that the Command under his leadership remains “resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising” in enforcing Nigeria’s laws and international conventions.
Onyeka further urged legitimate importers and exporters to ensure full compliance with trade regulations and accurate declaration of their consignments.
He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team for their unwavering support, as well as to the media for their role in promoting public awareness on compliance and patriotism.
Commending his officers, Onyeka praised their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming that the Command would continue to leverage intelligence, technology, and inter-agency cooperation to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders and bring offenders to justice.
Receiving the seized items, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command, Commander Daniel Onyishi, lauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and commitment to duty.
He noted that the handover reflected the strong partnership between the NDLEA and the Customs Service in the collective fight against drug trafficking.
Commander Onyishi assured that the NDLEA would conduct thorough investigations and ensure lawful disposal of the seized substances in line with established legal frameworks.
He also reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Customs Service and other security agencies in pursuit of a drug-free Nigeria.
The operation once again highlights the success of Nigeria’s joint border security strategy and the unwavering determination of enforcement agencies to safeguard the nation from criminal elements exploiting legitimate trade channels.
