Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations with the interception of 4,729 kilograms of Cannabis Indica valued at ₦18.9 billion, cleverly concealed inside two used vehicles imported from Canada.
Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Controller of the Command, announced the development on Thursday while displaying the seized contraband to journalists at Tincan Island Port Lagos.
“This seizure is a powerful reminder that no criminal innovation can outsmart our vigilance,” Onyeka declared. “Our officers are more alert, more coordinated and more committed than ever before.”
He explained that the interception followed credible intelligence and sustained collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Tincan Island Port Strategic Command.
According to him, the suspect container, identified as HAMU429966/1, was flagged based on intelligence and subsequently subjected to a 100 per cent physical examination.
“Although the manifest declared only used vehicles, our officers uncovered 185 jumbo bags of Cannabis Indica hidden around a used 2010 Toyota Camry and a used 2023 Chevrolet Colorado,” he said.
Further examination revealed 9,458 packages of the drug, weighing 4,729 kilograms and carrying a street value of ₦18,916,000,000.
Comptroller Onyeka said the seizure highlights both the professionalism of Customs officers and the growing success of inter-agency collaboration.
“This operation demonstrates what we can achieve when security agencies work as one united force,” he said. “We will continue to close every door against drug traffickers and organised crime networks.”
He formally handed the consignment over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
Onyeka recalled that the interception came just days after a new strategic cooperation agreement was signed between the NCS and NDLEA on April 27, 2026, aimed at deepening intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for strengthening operational synergy across national security agencies.
“We are grateful for the CGC’s leadership,” he said. “It is under his guidance that we have built stronger partnerships capable of delivering results like this.”
Onyeka warned smugglers to steer clear of Nigeria’s borders and ports, stressing that the Service remains uncompromising.
“There will be no safe haven for economic saboteurs. We are fully prepared with our partners to detect, intercept and prosecute all illegal trade. Our commitment to protecting public health and national security is absolute,” he warned.
Receiving the seized drugs, Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command, Omotoso Solomon, praised the operation as an example of excellent inter-agency coordination.
“This success was intelligence-led, carefully planned and jointly executed. It reflects the renewed spirit of cooperation and proactive leadership within the Tincan Command,” Solomon said.
He reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service to dismantle drug trafficking networks.