The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disclosed the interception of two containers loaded with eight vehicles used to conceal illicit drugs worth N5.3 billion, imported from Canada through the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.

Addressing journalists during the weekend, the Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Port, Frank Onyeka, highlighted the seizures as a testament to the command’s resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.

The Area Controller said the first container, with number HLXU8500072 and Bill of Lading Number HLCUTOR2506000834, originating from Montreal, Canada, was intercepted on September 4, 2025 through meticulous intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts.

He said upon 100 per cent physical examination, jointly conducted with other relevant agencies, the container was found to contain four vehicles with concealed 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilogrammes, and 1.2 kilogrammes of Hashish Oil.

According to him, the second container, numbered FANU 312876/9, was intercepted on October 24, 2025, following actionable intelligence provided by the Customs Area Controller.

The container, also carrying four vehicles, was found to conceal 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilogrammes and eight packages of Crystal Methamphetamine (“Meth”) weighing eight kilogrammes.

He said the total street value of the illicit drugs seized from both operations is estimated at N5.3billion.

Onyeka handed over the seized narcotic substances to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation, prosecution, and other necessary legal actions, in line with established inter-agency collaboration protocols.

The Area Controller commended the NDLEA and other partner security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders, for their continued collaboration in combating drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

He issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in illicit drug trafficking, noting that such acts undermine the nation’s economy and pose grave risks to 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,” the Controller stated.

He further urged legitimate importers and exporters to adhere strictly to trade regulations and ensure accurate declarations in all documentation.

Onyeka reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to leveraging 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, Daniel Onyishi, commended the NCS for its vigilance and commitment in intercepting the illicit drugs.

He noted that the handover reflects the strong spirit of collaboration between both agencies in safeguarding the nation against the menace of drug trafficking.

Onyishi emphasised that the NDLEA remains resolute in carrying out its mandate to ensure that all seized substances are thoroughly investigated and disposed of in accordance with established legal procedures.

He further reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to strengthen existing partnerships with the NCS and other security agencies in the collective pursuit of a drug-free Nigeria. (The Guardian)