Illicit Drugs:Tincan Command Hands Over N8bn Worth of Seized Items to NDLEA
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Tin Can Island Port Command has handed over seized illicit drugs worth over N8 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
At a brief handover ceremony held at the Command’s Enforcement Unit on Monday, the Customs Area Controller, Frank Onyeka, formally transferred the contraband to Mitchell Ofoyeju, Commander of NDLEA, Tin Can Island Strategic Command.
Onyeka credited the interception of the drugs to strong intelligence gathering and effective collaboration between the Customs Service and NDLEA.
He revealed that the illicit substances were concealed in two 20-foot containers falsely declared as carrying used cars and auto spare parts from Canada.
According to Onyeka, the first container, TCNU 194586/1, was seized on February 27, 2025. Officials discovered 128 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 63.75 kilograms, valued at N414.3 million.
The second container, MSMU 838666/3, was intercepted earlier on December 12, 2024, and contained: 97 packets of Crystal Methamphetamine (78.3 kg) valued at N2 billion. 1,735 packets of Cannabis Indica (867.5 kg) valued at N5.64 billion. In total, the drugs had an estimated street value of N8.05 billion.
Onyeka emphasized that these seizures highlight the Command’s commitment to national security and public health.
“These seizures underscore the Command’s dedication to safeguarding the nation from the menace of illicit drugs.”
He reassured the public that the Customs Service remains focused on facilitating trade while maintaining strict vigilance against threats to the country’s security.
“The Command will continue to enhance its operational strategies, including intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration, to effectively combat smuggling and other illicit activities.”
The Comptroller also urged stakeholders to support Customs’ efforts in securing Nigeria’s ports and borders.
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