The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a consignment of Cannabis Sativa valued at N18.96 billion, concealed in two used vehicles imported from Canada at the Tin Can Island Port Command.
Details of the Seizure
Displaying the drugs to journalists at the port yesterday, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Frank Onyeka, stated that the container originated from Canada and was initially declared to contain used vehicles. He noted that upon acting on intelligence, operatives subjected the consignment to a 100 per cent physical examination.
The examination revealed 185 jumbo bags of cannabis concealed within a used 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet. Further inspection uncovered a total of 9,450 packages of cannabis weighing 4,729 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of N18.96 billion.
Intelligence-Driven Operation
Onyeka disclosed that the seizure followed intelligence-driven operations carried out in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies. He described the seizure as a testament to the vigilance and professionalism of officers, as well as the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration.
The development comes days after a strategic cooperation agreement between the NCS and NDLEA aimed at strengthening intelligence sharing and joint operations, signed on April 27, 2026, which also provides for the establishment of a standing inter-agency committee headquartered in Abuja.
Handover to NDLEA
Onyeka formally handed over the seized drugs to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution in line with its statutory mandate. He lauded the NDLEA for its professionalism and dedication, while appreciating port users, operators and the media for their continued support.
Reaffirming the Command's resolve, Onyeka warned smugglers and criminal networks that there would be no safe haven for illegal activities. He added that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies and robust enforcement measures to protect Nigeria's economy, public health, and national security.
NDLEA Response
Receiving the drugs, the Commander of Narcotics at the Tin Can Strategic Command of NDLEA, Omotoso Solomon, said the seizure underscores ongoing efforts by security agencies to tighten surveillance and enforcement at the nation's seaports, amid growing concerns over the use of maritime channels for illicit drug trafficking.
Solomon attributed the interception of the illicit drugs at the port to strong inter-agency cooperation and decisive leadership within the Customs command. He said the operation was intelligence-driven, involving careful sourcing and processing of information before engaging Customs authorities for joint action.
Solomon issued a stern warning to drug traffickers, declaring Tin Can Island Port a 'no-go area' for illicit activities. 'In the interest of national security and your own future, stay away from Tin Can Island Port. Our operations here are firm, coordinated, and uncompromising,' he warned.
