The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made a major drug interception at a Lagos port, seizing cannabis shipments with an estimated street value of N18.96 billion. The illicit consignment was discovered concealed inside imported vehicles, highlighting increasingly sophisticated smuggling tactics.
The operation was carried out under the leadership of the Customs Area Controller, Frank Onyeka, and was supported by intelligence collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday during the formal handover of the seized items, Onyeka explained that the container—identified as HAMU 429961 and shipped from Canada—had been falsely declared as containing only used vehicles.
Acting on credible intelligence, customs officers subjected the container to a comprehensive inspection, leading to the discovery of concealed drugs.
“Acting on credible intelligence, our officers conducted a 100 per cent physical examination of the container and discovered 185 jumbo bags of cannabis concealed within two imported vehicles,” he stated.
According to Onyeka, the drugs were hidden within a 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet, suggesting a calculated attempt by smugglers to evade detection.
Further examination revealed a total of 9,450 packages of cannabis weighing 4,729 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N18.96 billion.
He described the interception as a significant success for the command, attributing it to improved intelligence gathering, professionalism among officers, and strengthened cooperation between security agencies.
“This significant seizure demonstrates the strength of our intelligence-driven operations and the synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and sister agencies, particularly the NDLEA,” he said.
Onyeka also noted that the operation comes shortly after a formal agreement between the NCS and NDLEA aimed at deepening collaboration in tackling drug trafficking and other cross-border crimes.
“As part of the agreement signed on April 27, 2026, both agencies are committed to enhanced intelligence sharing, joint operations and the development of coordinated operational guidelines,” he explained.
He added that a standing inter-agency committee has been established, with its headquarters located at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, to further strengthen coordination and operational efficiency.
The seized drugs have since been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution, in line with its statutory responsibilities.
“Today, we hand over these illicit drugs to the NDLEA in line with their statutory mandate for further investigation and prosecution,” he said.
Issuing a stern warning, Onyeka cautioned smugglers and criminal networks against continued illegal activities, emphasizing that enforcement agencies are fully prepared to respond.
“Let me send a clear message to all smugglers and criminal elements: the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with its partners, is fully prepared to detect, intercept and prosecute all forms of illicit trade. There will be no safe haven for saboteurs,” he warned.
He also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs for leadership support, as well as to the NDLEA and other partner agencies for their continued cooperation. The media was equally acknowledged for its role in raising public awareness.
Onyeka reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening port security through intelligence-driven strategies and robust enforcement measures.
“The command remains resolute in deploying intelligence-driven strategies and robust enforcement measures to secure our ports and borders,” he added.
