By Amina Ojelabi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has intercepted two containers loaded with vehicles used to conceal a large consignment of illicit drugs worth over ₦5.3 billion.
The announcement was made during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters on Friday, October 24, 2025, where the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, described the seizures as a major breakthrough in the Command’s ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders and enforce international trade compliance.
According to Onyeka, the first container, marked HLXU8500072 with Bill of Lading No. HLCUTOR2506000834, originated from Montreal, Canada, and was intercepted on September 4, 2025, following credible intelligence and coordinated enforcement.
A joint physical examination revealed that the container held four vehicles concealing 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil.
The second container, numbered FANU312876/9, was intercepted on October 24, 2025, based on actionable intelligence. It also contained four vehicles concealing 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms and eight (8) packages of Crystal Methamphetamine (“Meth”) weighing 8 kilograms.
The combined street value of the narcotics recovered from both seizures is estimated at ₦5.304 billion.
In accordance with inter-agency collaboration protocols, the confiscated drugs have been formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
Comptroller Onyeka commended the NDLEA, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Navy, and other security partners for their unwavering cooperation in combating transnational drug trafficking.
He warned that the Command would not relent in its vigilance, stating:
“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 also urged legitimate importers and exporters to ensure full compliance with trade regulations and accurate documentation, while expressing appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team for their support.
He lauded his officers for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to leveraging intelligence, technology, and inter-agency cooperation to protect Nigeria’s maritime borders and bring offenders to justice.
Receiving the seized items, the NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Commander, Commander Daniel Onyishi, praised the Customs Service for its vigilance and dedication.
He noted that the handover exemplifies the strong synergy between both agencies, adding that the NDLEA remains fully committed to investigating the case and ensuring the illicit substances are disposed of in line with established legal procedures.
“We remain resolute in our mandate to rid the country of drug trafficking and will continue to strengthen partnerships with Customs and other security agencies to achieve a drug-free Nigeria,” Onyishi affirmed.
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