ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service, TinCan Island Port Command has handed over N5.304 billion worth of seized illicit drugs hidden in imported vehicles to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to a press statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara on Friday, 24 October 2025, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka made this known, informing that two containers laden with motor vehicles used in concealing the hard drugs were Intercepted on 4 September 2025 and 24 October 2025 respectively.
Comptroller Onyeka described the successful seizures as a demonstration of the Command’s strong will and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.
The Area Controller stated that the first container, with registration number HLXU8500072 and Bill of Ladig Number HLCUTOR2506000834, originating from Montreal, Canada, was intercepted on 4 September 2025 through meticulous intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts.
He said upon 100% physical examination, jointly conducted with other relevant agencies, the container was found to contain four vehicles with concealed quantities of 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil.
The second container with registration number FANU 312876/9, was intercepted on 24 October 2025, following actionable intelligence provided by the Customs Area Controller.
Four vehicles, was found to conceal 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms and eight (8) packages of Crystal Methamphetamine (“Meth”) weighing 8 kilograms.
The total street value of the illicit drugs seized from both operations is estimated at ₦5.304 billion.
In accordance with established inter-agency collaboration protocols, the seized narcotic substances was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation, and other necessary legal actions.
Comptroller Frank commended sister security agencies including: NDLEA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, and other Stakeholders, for their continued collaboration in combating drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.
He further warned individuals and groups involved in illicit drug smuggling, 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.
“Legitimate importers and exporters are to adhere strictly to trade regulations and ensure accurate declarations in all documentation.
My appreciation goes to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team for their continuous support, as well as to the media for their sustained role in public sensitization on compliance and patriotism.
“I also commended the gallant Officers and Men of Tin Can Island Port Command for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to leveraging intelligence, technology, and inter-agency cooperation to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders and bring offenders to justice,” the Controller stated.
Receiving the seized items, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tincan Strategic Command, Commander Daniel Onyishi, commended the Nigeria Customs Service 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.
Commander Onyishi emphasized that 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 concluded reaffirming the Agency’s readiness to strengthen existing partnerships with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies in the collective pursuit of a drug-free Nigeria.
